Anietie Ikott, the Chief Executive Director of Anirich Nigeria Limited and a scientist based in Uyo, has warned that Nigeria is not safe from earthquakes and other disasters caused by climate change.
While speaking to journalists in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Saturday, Ikott disagreed with some scientists who believe Nigeria cannot have earthquakes because it’s not in a seismic zone. He said this belief is not true.
He explained that earthquakes can happen in any country, at any time.
Ikott pointed out that the recent earth tremors in Abuja and some parts of western Nigeria show that earthquakes can happen in the country.
He said, “We have already seen many disasters caused by climate change in Nigeria, like strong winds, heavy rains, and floods. These disasters have killed many people, destroyed homes, and damaged expensive infrastructure, as seen in Niger and Borno States.”
“We are not protected from earthquakes. They can happen at any time.”
He warned that any area in Nigeria hit by an earthquake will be deeply affected and may never be the same again. The recent tremors in Abuja and some western states clearly show this risk.
