The Federal Government has launched a detailed investigation into the recent earth tremors that shook the Mpape area of Abuja.
The tremors, which began late on September 16, 2024, caused alarm among residents, with reports indicating six to eight seismic events. The first tremor was detected around 11:00 p.m., accompanied by loud noises and noticeable ground shaking, raising widespread concern.
During a press briefing, the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Mr. Uche Nnaji, reassured the public that a team of experts from the Centre for Geodesy and Geodynamics, under the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), is actively investigating the tremors using advanced earthquake analysis software.
Seismograph data revealed that the tremors included three foreshocks and three aftershocks, with the main event occurring at 11:18:37 p.m., registering a local magnitude of 3.1 at a focal depth of 11 km.
Experts believe this significant geological disturbance may be linked to the reactivation of faults in the Mpape region, which has experienced similar tremors in the past, notably in early September 2018.
Nnaji urged residents to remain calm, assuring them that NASRDA continues to monitor the situation closely. He added that the government is analyzing data from seismic and GNSS stations to develop appropriate mitigation measures.
Additionally, the minister warned of the risk of flooding in southern Nigeria due to overflow from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, which had affected 18,737 hectares of land by mid-September. He noted that the government is collaborating with international agencies to monitor the situation and provide timely alerts.
Residents in affected areas are advised to stay vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines as authorities continue their investigation and response to these natural occurrences.