FG begins investigation into cause of earth tremors in Abuja

Federal Government has initiated a thorough investigation into the root causes of the recent earth tremors that ravaged the Mpape area in Abuja.

The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, while briefing the media on Wednesday, assured the public that a team of experts from the Centre for Geodesy and Geodynamics of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) is actively analyzing the tremors using sophisticated earthquake analysis software.

According to data from seismographs, the tremors included three foreshocks and three aftershocks, with the main seismic event occurring at 11:18:37 p.m., which recorded a local magnitude of 3.1 and a focal depth of 11 km.

Experts believe that this significant geological disturbance may be attributed to the reactivation of faults within the Mpape locality, a region that has experienced similar tremors in the past, notably between September 5 and 7, 2018.

Nnaji noted that while these tremors have understandably caused alarm, residents should remain calm as NASRDA continues to monitor the situation closely.

The Minister also assured that the government is analyzing comprehensive data from seismic and GNSS stations to formulate mitigation strategies.

In addition to the tremors, the Minister warned of imminent flood risks to the southern region due to overflow from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.

The overflow, which had already affected 18,737 hectares of land by mid-September, poses significant threats to communities. He said the government is working closely with international agencies to monitor the situation and issue timely warnings.

Residents of the affected areas are encouraged to remain vigilant and follow all safety guidelines as authorities continue to investigate and respond to these natural events.

Meanwhile, the Director-General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr. Matthew Adepoju, said the agency focuses on scientific research, not development control.

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“We don’t handle building plans or development approvals. Our role is to provide scientific advice, facts, and evidence-based research to inform decision-making.”

He added that NASRDA utilizes science and technology to assess risks and provide expert guidance for the country’s benefit, stressing that the agency is a service provider offering expertise in risk management and scientific inquiry.

The tremors, which began on the night of September 16, 2024, alarmed residents, with reports of six to eight seismic events being recorded.

First detected at about 11:00 p.m., the tremors led to widespread concern due to loud noises and ground shaking in the vicinity.