A recent gas explosion in Urua Essien Etuk village, Ikot Abasi local government area of Akwa Ibom state, has left scores of families homeless.
Although there have been no reports of deaths or severe injuries, the explosion caused significant structural damage to homes and polluted the environment.
The village head, Eteidung Godwin George, revealed that the toxic gases released from the explosion had caused him to develop cancer in one of his legs.
The explosion originated from a pipeline facility operated by British Oil and Gas Exploration Limited (BOGEL), which began operations in May 2024.
Eteidung George expressed concerns over the explosion, stating that it had caused untold hardship to the people, affecting their farmlands, streams, and rivers, which are their primary sources of livelihood.
He also decried the insensitivity and poor treatment meted out to them by BOGEL, saying that the company had neglected them and refused to pay compensation for the damages.
The youth leader and women leader in the village confirmed that the BOGEL gas explosion had brought hardship to them.
Officers of the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps visited the company to ascertain the rate of damages caused by the gas explosion, following a petition by the community.
The village head appealed to Governor Umo Eno to intervene in the matter to provide succor and ensure healthy living for the affected community members.
The Nation.
