By Abubakar Yunusa
The Federal Government has launched an in-depth investigation into the recent earth tremors that shook Mpape, Abuja, sparking widespread concern among residents.
The tremors, which began late on September 16, 2024, involved a series of seismic events, with six to eight incidents being recorded throughout the night.
The tremors, first detected around 11:00 p.m., alarmed the community as loud noises and ground shaking disrupted the calm.
The most significant event occurred at 11:18:37 p.m., registering a local magnitude of 3.1 and a focal depth of 11 km, according to the Centre for Geodesy and Geodynamics, part of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA).
During a ministerial press briefing, the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Mr. Uche Nnaji, reassured the public that a team of experts is actively studying the tremors.
He emphasized that while the situation has raised concerns, there is no immediate cause for alarm.
Nnaji explained that the government is reviewing comprehensive data from seismic and GNSS stations to assess the event and its potential causes.
Experts have suggested that the tremors may be linked to the reactivation of faults within the Mpape region, which experienced similar disturbances in 2018.
Residents have been advised to remain calm as the government continues to monitor the situation closely.”
Adding to concerns, Nnaji also warned of the rising flood risks in Nigeria’s southern regions due to the overflow of the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon. By mid-September, the overflow had impacted over 18,000 hectares of land, posing significant dangers to affected communities.
The government is working with international agencies to track the flood and issue timely warnings.
Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the briefing, Dr. Mathew Adepoju, the Director General of NASRDA, highlighted the role of advanced space science and technology in disaster management.
He explained that early warning systems, such as the GNSS receiving stations, are crucial in monitoring deep underground activities and mitigating risks to communities like Mpape.
“We want to assure the public that we are actively monitoring the situation,” Dr. Adepoju stated.
“If necessary, the government is prepared to take appropriate action to protect the people.”
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