Umuahia Catholic Cathedral Struck By Explosion

The diocesan headquarters of the Catholic Archdiocese of Umuahia, also known as Mater Dei Catholic Cathedral, on Azikiwe Road in Umuahia, the Abia State capital on Tuesday was struck by an explosion.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, the explosion, which occurred on the church premises at about 2.45pm, caused pandemonium in the area which saw people running for safety.

Sources at the cathedral revealed that explosion was caused by an old abandoned petrol tank, which had been buried underground and long forgotten.

Report revealed that the church gardener, after clean-up, set fire on the heap of refuse collected while cleaning the compound directly where the tank was buried.

The heat from the fire was said to have triggered the explosion, which affected roofs of houses around the cathedral.

Naija News however gathered no life was lost to the incident.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Chris Ezike, said personnel of the Explosive Ordinance Department of the State Command were moved to the scene of the incident.

“A cleaner in the church, after sweeping the compound, set fire to the waste and the fire spread to a disused underground fuel tank, which exploded, bringing down part of a nearby fence and shattering a vehicle parked in the next compound.

“As I speak to you, the Explosive Ordinance Department and the Bomb Disposal Unit of the command have been moved to the place to ascertain that there is nothing much more than the facts that we know now.

“By tomorrow, when they come out with their scientific report, I will also update members of the public.”