ABUJA EARTH TREMOR: Geological Survey Agency Urges Residents To Be Calm

By: Abdulwasiu Akintunde 

The Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) has assured residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to stay calm amid recent reports of earth tremors in parts of the region.

NGSA Director General, Prof. Olusegun Ige, issued this reassurance in a statement on Wednesday from Abuja.

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News gathered that several tremors have occurred over the past week in areas such as Maitama, Katampe, and Mpape, raising concerns among locals. 

Tremors are minor vibrations or shaking of the ground, often due to small movements in the Earth's crust.

Prof. Ige emphasized that the tremors were weak and did not pose a significant threat to the environment. He urged residents not to panic, as the situation is under control.

He also noted that the agency has been actively monitoring the tremors nationwide and will provide further updates as necessary. A team from NGSA has already visited the affected areas for on-site assessments.

According to Ige, conclusions were drawn based on observations, reports from residents, and analysis of airborne geophysical data over the region.

“The tremors stem from accumulated stress along identified faults, releasing seismic energy through fractures, which spread to affected areas in the FCT,” Ige explained.

He also pointed out that multiple epicenters have been identified, primarily northeast of NGSA-5 seismic station in Mpape, and some southwest around Katampe. 

The tremors, measured between three and four on the Modified Mercalli Scale, pose minimal risk.

Ige added that since September 13, 2024, the monitoring station at Katampe has recorded significant ground activity. 

OTN News recalls that one mild tremor occurred on September 13, followed by six more on September 14. On September 15, over 21 incidents were recorded, showing higher intensities, and more than 20 were observed on September 16. 

Activity has slightly decreased with weaker events recorded on September 17.

The NGSA operates five National Seismic Monitoring Stations in Utako, Katampe, Kaduna, Ilorin, and Keffi. 

These stations provide real-time data on earthquakes and ground movements, allowing for rapid damage assessments and necessary preventive actions to safeguard lives and property.