Scientist warns: Nigeria not immune to earthquakes

File: Earthquake

A scientist based in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Dr Anietie Ikott, has warned that Nigeria may soon experience a devastating earthquake and other climate change-induced disasters.

Speaking in Uyo on Saturday, Ikott faulted the claim that Nigeria does not lie within the seismic zone, saying that the country was not immune to earthquakes.

The Chief Executive Director of Anirich Nig. Limited argued that the recent tremor in Abuja and some parts of South-West states was proof that Nigeria was not immune to earthquakes.

He said, “We have witnessed frequent climate change-triggered disasters in Nigeria, such as strong winds and the destruction that goes with it, excessive rainfall and flooding that have led to loss of thousands of lives and properties, and destruction of multi-million naira worth of infrastructure, such as happened in Niger and Borno states recently.

“Nigeria will soon experience an earthquake, a very devastating one. We are not immune to earthquakes; they can strike any time, any day.

“Any part of Nigeria that is struck by an earthquake can never be the same again.

“Recently, we have had an earthquake tremor in Abuja, and part of Western State. This is clear proof that we are not immune to earthquakes.”

Ikott, however, said such a disaster could be prevented with a technology he developed.

According to him, “earthquakes, excessive rainfall and flooding can be controlled, tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, excessive winter ice formation, ice storms, excessive thunderstorms are all controllable and can be controlled with weather control technology.” Punch