At least 20 people suffered several degrees of injuries as a result of a sudden explosion inside the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) premises in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

Consequently, there was apprehension along the ever-busy Calabar Road as security personnel, workers, motorists and others scampered for safety. There was also a heavy vehicular traffic build-up on the Calabar highway as a result.

The explosion was suspected to have arisen from the gas cylinders within the premises of the apex bank. One Mr Akpan Michael, an eye witness, said the sound of the explosion was massive, adding that it caused panic within that part of the metropolis. “Residents and traders thought the explosion might have been from militants or terrorists,” he explained.

The state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. Henry Fadairo, confirmed in a telephone interview that the incident was caused by a gas cylinder within the CBN premises and urged citizens not to panic.