The Federal Government has investigated the recent earth tremors that shook Mpape, Abuja, on September 16, 2024.
Seismological experts and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) reports are being reviewed to determine the cause and provide recommendations.
The tremors, which occurred in a series of seismic events throughout the night, were first detected around 11 p.m., causing alarm among residents with loud noises and ground shaking. According to the Centre for Geodesy and Geodynamics (CGG) under the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), the most significant event took place at 11:18:37 p.m., registering a local magnitude of 3.1 and a focal depth of 11 kilometers.
Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Uche Nnaji, addressed the public in Abuja, reassuring citizens that the situation was under close scrutiny by a team of experts. While acknowledging concerns, Nnaji emphasized that there was no immediate cause for alarm.
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“Mpape experienced a similar sequence of earth tremors from September 5 to 7, 2018, which brought increased attention to Nigeria’s seismic activity,” Nnaji stated. “The recent tremors, accompanied by loud noises and ground shaking, have prompted the government to analyze comprehensive datasets from its seismological and GNSS stations to offer relevant recommendations to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).”
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In addition to addressing the tremors, Nnaji also warned of rising flood risks in Nigeria’s southern region due to the overflow of the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon. By mid-September, the overflow had affected over 18,000 hectares of land.
The government continues to monitor both the seismic and flooding situations closely, aiming to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of affected communities.