FG Issues Statement After Earth Tremors Shake Parts of FCT, Reassures Residents

The Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) has responded to the recent earth tremors affecting parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), assuring residents that there is no significant risk.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Professor Olusegun Ige, the Director-General of the NGSA, said that the agency has been actively monitoring the tremors since Friday, September 13.

According to the NGSA, approximately 48 seismic events have been recorded so far, with a noticeable increase in both intensity and frequency from September 13 to 16. Preliminary findings suggest the tremors are originating from within 5 kilometers of the NGSA monitoring station.

Following site assessments, the NGSA attributed the tremors to the release of built-up stress along known fault lines. Several epicenters were identified, mainly northeast of the NGSA-5 Seismic Station, located around the Mpape area.

Professor Ige noted that the tremors are relatively weak, measuring between III and IV on the Modified Mercalli Scale, which indicates a low threat level.

The official statement highlighted:

“Since September 13, 2024, the NGSA-5 Monitoring Station at Katampe has detected numerous ground motions of significant magnitude. A single mild tremor was recorded on September 13, followed by six on September 14, and over 21 on September 15. By September 16, more than 20 events were observed, with increasing intensity and frequency. Only a few weak tremors were detected on September 17.

The NGSA team has visited the affected locations to conduct on-site evaluations. Observations from both residents and NGSA experts, along with earlier interpretations of geophysical data, indicate that the tremors are caused by stress release along fault lines, with seismic energy traveling through fractures to surrounding areas in the FCT.

Multiple epicenters have been identified, most of which are northeast of the NGSA-5 Seismic Station near Mpape, while others are situated southwest near Katampe. The tremors range from weak to light in intensity and do not pose a major threat.

Residents in areas such as Mpape, Katampe, and Maitama, where the tremors were felt, are urged to remain calm. The situation is being closely monitored by the Agency, and further updates will be provided as necessary.

The public should also be informed that NGSA’s Seismic Stations are under continuous real-time monitoring to provide immediate alerts in case of significant events.”