There was a palpable fear among residents of Igbeti in Olorunsogo Local Council of Oyo State over a minor earth tremor that happened at the weekend in the area.

The reported minor earth tremor caught the residents unaware as they fled for safety. Most of the buildings in the area were shaking to the foundation, forcing the inhabitants to consider vacating them.

However, the state government has allayed their fears, assuring them that necessary steps had been taken to arrest the situation. A statement by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said immediate evaluation of the situation had commenced.

He, therefore, urged the residents to remain calm. Oyelade said that experts from the Oyo State Solid Mineral Development Agency (OYSMI), under its Director-General, Biodun Oni, had been dispatched to the site.

“The disruption is a result of physical weathering on the rock caused by intense heat from February to May early this year, followed by sudden cooling. This expansion and contraction lead to cracking, peeling, and sheeting, resulting in minor tremors and rock movements as witnessed over the weekend,” he said.

He added that the government is also working with experts from the University of Ibadan (UI) to analyse the geological activity and provide solutions to mitigate future occurrences and also develop strategies to safeguard lives and property in the affected area.

He said that residents should be assured that there is no cause for alarm, emphasising that no casualties had been recorded in the incident. However, as a precautionary measure, the commissioner urged individuals residing near the rock to evacuate temporarily until a permanent solution is reached. He said that the government remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens.