There was panic in Ebekpi community in Esit Eket local government area of Akwa Ibom State at the weekend when a gas wellhead operated by Savannah Energy limited exploded.

The explosion caused villagers in Ebekpi and other surrounding communities to scamper following the gas leakage, which occurred for over five hours.

A visit to the scene of the incident revealed that a fire service vehicle believed to have come from Eket fire service was parked nearby.

The village head of Ebekpi, Chief Ama Bassey Joseph lamented the hazard caused by the eruption and called on relevant authorities to ascertain the level of environmental damage for possible compensation.

The Ebekpi village council chairman, Elder John Harrison, confirmed that the eruption shook the entire community and caused panic as some residents ran as far as Ikot Odiong for safety.

A landlord whose house is about 50 meters from the company’s site, Mr Sunday Jacob, said his building witnessed cracks and he suffered psychological trauma while the explosion lasted.

He was seen packing his property from the building as the entire area was polluted with obnoxious gas smell.

Youths barricaded the company’s premises at Ebekpi, calling on management of Savannah Energy Limited to explain what happened.

A gas expert, who craved anonymity, said that the company was carrying out a well head test but didn’t inform its host communities not to panic.

All efforts to reach the Public Relation Officer of the company or any of its representative proved abortive.

(The Nation)

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