ERA condemns government agencies over Bayelsa, Rivers tremors
Two months after the earth tremors in Bayelsa and Rivers states, the Environmental Rights Action and Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) has lambasted relevant authorities for failing to probe their causes.
Communities such as Mbiama and Okaki in Ahoada West local council of Rivers State and Igbogene in Yenagoa council of Bayelsa were affected by earth tremors in July and August this year.
ERA in a field report after visiting the communities affected said findings from the residents confirmed the incident and that no government official visited the areas.
The report stated that there was the need for the relevant agencies to set up a body to investigate the immediate or remote causes of the tremors to avoid future occurrences.
The group, however, said it was worried that the authorities at local, state and federal levels had yet to initiate any step towards identifying what led to the incidents.
The group said: “Authorities at all levels should show concern towards identifying the causes and allay the fears of the people.
“Experts should be invited, especially by the Rivers and Bayelsa governments and the Federal Government to address the issue.
“The affected communities should remain alert; record accurately any strange thing in their environment and promptly report such to relevant agencies of the government, the media and non-governmental organisations for necessary action.
“NGOs, media practitioners and experts interested in such matter visiting communities on fact-finding missions should be assisted and encouraged by residents rather than threatening and demanding money from such visitors.
“Aid workers need the assistance of the people because they are on humanitarian duties.”
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1 Comments
Very serious.
We will review and take appropriate action.