for Environment, said on Friday that the earth tremor that occurred in Okordia
communities in Yenagoa Local Government Area on Wednesday, could be a warning
sign of an earthquake.
Willis made this
assertion while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria during his inspection
visit to the affected communities to ascertain the extent of damage.
NAN reports that
the tremor caused anxiety among residents of the area, with some people fleeing
their homes in fear.
Wills said that
preliminary findings during the tour showed cracks on the impacted buildings,
which, according to him, is an indication of the seriousness of the incident.
He said: “It could
be a warning and we assure the indigenes of the community that we will not wait
until an earthquake happens in Bayelsa.
“We have spoken to
many of them and they reacted spontaneously.
“We have been shown
around and we have seen cracks.
“Some of the cracks
may not be too evident and long.
“But some are quiet
long.
“It could be a
warning, but we will not also jump to conclusion.”
However, many of
the indigenes of the community have attributed the strange earth tremor to oil
exploration and production activities by oil firms operating in the area.
Residents at
Freetown, Ikarama 1 and 2 areas, said the strange earth tremor caused walls of
about 50 buildings to crack.
The Paramount Ruler
of the community, Chief Franco Daniel, said the incident occurred late evening
on Wednesday and caused panic in the community.
Daniel said: “I was
sleeping when my daughter ran into the house shouting that the ground was
seriously shaking.
”I hurried out and
observed many of the indigenes running helter skelter in fear.
“Many of us believe
it is due to the years of neglect by oil multinationals.”