Dele Alake, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals, has reassured residents of Abuja that the recent earth tremors in the Federal Capital Territory are not a cause for panic.
According to Alake, the tremors are caused by “accumulated stress” along identified faults, primarily around Mpape and Katampe communities.
The Minister explained that the tremors have multiple epicentres, with intensity ranging from weak to light, posing a very low threat.
He advised residents not to panic, stating that the federal government is actively monitoring the situation and will provide updates as needed.
It’s worth noting that Abuja has experienced earth tremors before. In 2018, tremors were felt in Mpape and Maitama areas, highlighting the potential for natural hazards in Nigeria.
However, in the current situation, Alake emphasized that the NGSA Seismic Stations are being monitored in real-time for prompt alerts on any major events.
Residents of Mpape and Katampe communities had expressed fears following the tremors that began on Saturday.
An earth tremor is a relatively small or short-lived movement of the earth’s surface, caused by the same forces that produce earthquakes.
Alake’s statement aimed to reassure the public, stating, “This is to reassure everyone about the recent earth tremors in the Federal Capital Territory, there’s no need to panic as we have been closely monitoring the situation.”
