There is currently a heavy tension in Umuahia following an explosion that rocked Mater Dei Catholic Church, Azikiwe Road, Abia state.

9news Nigeria learnt that the explosion which occurred in the church premises at about 2:45pm, caused pandemonium in the area as residents scampered for safety.

9news Nigeria also gathered that the explosion was caused by an old abandoned petrol tank which had been buried and long forgotten. The church gardener, after his routine clean up was said to have burnt the refuse directly where the tank was buried, triggering the explosion which affected roofs of houses around the cathedral.

As at the time of writing this report, no life was however affected by the incident.

More details soon…