Signs Of Earth Tremor: Residents Of Mpape-Abuja, Desert Homes

Following alleged series of blasting of rocks in Mpape settlement situated close to Asokoro and Maitama districts of the nation’s capital, there are palpable fears that the activities of some companies operating in the area may have degenerated into signs of impending earth tremor.

Similar occurrences took place in 2018 during which the authorities quickly moved in and put in place measures that regulate mining activities and stone blasting in the area.

The development has forced many of the residents of the area particularly those living around the area called ‘Jubilation Avenue’ to vacate their houses to other areas to spend the nights out of fear since last week Saturdy.

The residents believe the seismic movement of the earth crust could have been triggered by the activities of miners and stone blasting which is now affecting buildings that are being shaken to their foundation levels.

The residents have therefore called on the Geological Department of the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), The Federal Ministry of Environment and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to act fast and establish the cause of the tremor sounds.

One of the affect residents, Malam Rahman Maigari, whose parts of his house ceiling fell off, said that the past three days have been horrific particularly at nights when tremor sounds that sounds like exploded bombs wake people from up from sleep.

Maigari said; “It is so clear that what we are witnessing is far beyond blasting of stones or rocks but visible signs of tremor which if not checked could become terrible and devastating.

Since yesterday (Sunday), our houses have been experiencing serious shaking”.

Another resident, who simply identified himself as Mr Ritchie, said the development is better experienced than explained, stressing that it is important and urgent for the Federal Capital Territory Administration and the Federal Ministry of Environment to quickly move in and examine what is going on at Mpape.

According to him; “There is the need for the relevant government agencies to act fast to avoid any untoward consequences. The situation is really serious and worrisome.

“I observed the first underground blasting that shook our whole house from the foundation around 3/4pm on Saturday. Other ones followed, and it continued on Sunday. As at the last count, we experienced four of such earth tremor.

“What is going on looks like tremor. I can’t really explain or ascertain it but it is frightening,” he stressed.