The Federal Government has assured residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that there is no cause for alarm following a mild earth tremor recorded in parts of Abuja, saying the seismic activity poses no immediate threat to lives or property.
The assurance was given by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, after reports emerged that some residents experienced light vibrations in buildings across sections of the nation’s capital.
In a statement issued through his Special Assistant on Media, Lara Owoeye-Wise, the minister disclosed that he had directed the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) to provide him with hourly updates on seismic activities in and around Abuja to enable continuous assessment and prompt response by relevant government agencies if necessary.
Although Alake is currently in Washington, D.C., United States, where he is holding discussions with American investors on partnership opportunities in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, he stressed that the safety of residents remains a top priority.
He instructed the NGSA to intensify monitoring efforts and keep his office informed of any developments while reassuring the public that precautionary measures had already been put in place to safeguard lives and property.
The minister appealed to residents to remain calm and continue with their normal activities, insisting that there was no indication of any imminent danger.
According to the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency, the earth tremor occurred on August 4 and was detected by its Seismic Monitoring Station in Utako, Abuja.
The agency said the tremor was recorded at exactly 11:23:27 a.m., originating from a depth of approximately one kilometre below the earth’s surface.
It explained that the seismic waves travelled about four kilometres within five seconds, resulting in light ground vibrations felt in some parts of the Federal Capital Territory.
The NGSA classified the event as a minor earth tremor, measuring between Intensity I and II on the Mercalli Intensity Scale, a level regarded as too weak to cause structural damage to buildings.
The agency noted that while the tremor may have unsettled some residents, it did not constitute a threat to public safety.
“This is a characteristic feature of a surface earth tremor that poses no threat to lives and properties except for the discomfort of the shake and fear of possible destruction,” the agency stated.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to public safety, Alake said the NGSA would continue close surveillance of seismic activities within and around Abuja and provide timely updates as the situation evolves.
He maintained that there was no reason for panic, assuring residents that relevant agencies remain on alert and are prepared to respond swiftly should there be any significant change in seismic activity.
