𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗔𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗯𝘂𝗷𝗮 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝘀 𝗙𝗚 𝗢𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴

𝗕𝗬 𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗧𝗔 𝗩𝗢𝗜𝗖𝗘,

𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗮, 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮

Fresh details have emerged following the earth tremor that shook parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, prompting the Federal Government to place the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) on high alert with orders to provide hourly situation reports.

The directive was issued by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, after the NGSA confirmed that Tuesday's seismic activity was felt in several parts of Abuja and caused vibrations in some buildings, sparking panic among residents.

Although authorities insist there is no immediate danger, the incident has raised fresh concerns because the tremor occurred beneath the surface of the capital and was powerful enough to be detected by the country's seismic monitoring network.

What the Investigation Revealed

According to the NGSA, the tremor was recorded by its Seismic Monitoring Station in Utako at exactly 11:23 a.m. on Tuesday.

Preliminary analysis revealed that:

• The seismic activity originated about one kilometre beneath the ground.
• The shock waves travelled approximately four kilometres in just five seconds.
• The event was classified as a light seismic tremor, measuring between I and II on the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale, meaning it could be felt by some people but was not expected to cause significant structural damage.

FG Orders Hourly Updates

Reacting to the incident, Alake, who is currently in Washington, D.C., meeting with American investors on mining partnerships, directed the NGSA to submit hourly reports to his office to enable continuous monitoring and rapid response should the situation change.

He also disclosed that security and emergency response agencies have activated precautionary measures across affected areas.

The minister appealed to residents not to panic, stressing that experts are closely monitoring developments and that every necessary step is being taken to safeguard lives and property.

Why Abuja Experiences Earth Tremors

Geologists explained that Abuja has experienced similar tremors in the past, particularly around Mpape, Katampe and Maitama, where underground geological faults exist.

Experts say the tremors are typically caused by the release of accumulated stress along ancient fault lines, generating low-level seismic energy rather than destructive earthquakes. Previous NGSA investigations identified multiple epicentres around the Mpape and Katampe axes and concluded that such events generally pose a very low threat to residents.

Residents Urged to Stay Calm

While some residents reported feeling buildings shake briefly, the NGSA emphasized that available scientific data does not indicate an impending major earthquake.

The agency said it will continue real-time monitoring through its seismic stations and promised to keep the public informed if there are any significant developments.

Authorities have reiterated that there is no cause for panic, but advised residents to remain alert and rely only on verified information as monitoring continues.