Panic gripped residents across some border communities in Bayelsa and Rivers States following an earth tremor that struck.
This marks the third recorded tremor in the area, following previous occurrences in 2014 and 2016.
Although no lives were lost, many communities across Yenagoa Local Government Area and Ahoada West Local Government Area felt the impact.
Palpable fear gripped Kalaba and Ikarama communities in Bayelsa State, alongside Mbiama and Iluma in Rivers State, as natives and residents rushed out of their buildings during the tremor.
Historical Context: Two previous tremors occurred at night—twelve and fourteen years ago—affecting Ikarama in the Okordia clan, Igbogene, and Akenfa in Bayelsa State, as well as Mbiama, Akinima, and Akinowiso in Rivers State.
Community Accounts (Bayelsa):
In Kalaba Community, Chief Roman Orukali, alongside residents Freeborn Roland and Ebi John, expressed deep alarm and fright over the development.
Chief Orukali noted that the shaking caused ground and building vibrations starting around 1:00 PM, prompting people working in nearby forests to flee.
At Ikarama, the paramount ruler of Freetown, Chief Gbaka Amos, and residents—including Levi Daniel, Christian Johnson, Asomie Member, and Mrs. Gift Stanley—recounted intense shaking, loud noises, and visible cracks appearing on buildings due to the heavy vibrations.
Community Accounts (Rivers State):
In Mbiama, fruit seller Anita Douglas and vulcanizer Chiemezie Madu described how the ground shook violently, forcing people to take breaks outdoors until stability returned.
At Illuma, Mr. Innocent Ezebunwo from Akara-olu and Madam Caroline Theophilus reported that marketgoers panicked and fled open-air stalls, fearing the ground was opening up.
Public Appeal:
Residents and locals in all affected communities are urgently calling on the government and relevant authorities to investigate the persistent tremors and find lasting solutions to forestall any future disaster.
In a report, the Environmental Conservation Agriculture and Rural Development [ECARD] through its Chief Operating Officer, Alagoa Morris called on relevant agencies of the States and Federal Government to give proper attention to environmental and ecological issues and take necessary actions to allay the fears of affected community folks.
It also urges related professional bodies to give attention to the incident by embarking on research and come up with reliable information for the government’s action.
