Earth Tremors in Abuja: Residents Express Concerns Over Ongoing Shakes in Maitama

Residents of Abuja’s upscale Maitama and Mpape areas have expressed increasing alarm following a series of earth tremors that have shaken their neighborhoods over the past three days. Beginning on Saturday, September 14, 2024, residents reported experiencing multiple tremors each day, with the phenomenon continuing through Monday, September 16.

Reports From the Ground
The tremors, accompanied by a mysterious noise, were first noticed in the afternoon of September 14 and have intensified since. One resident, Obinna Ngozi, recounted feeling the ground move around 10 times on Saturday alone, stating, “The shaking would make our buildings tremble, and it’s been happening more frequently since Sunday.”

The tremors have also been felt in Katampe Junction, an area linked to the Murtala Muhammad Expressway. Muhammad Ibrahim, another resident, initially mistook the shaking for a bomb blast due to the unfamiliar sound, saying it didn’t resemble quarry blasting, which is common in the area.

Growing Concerns
Residents have taken to social media platforms, such as X (formerly known as Twitter), to voice their fears and request explanations from authorities. Many tagged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in their posts, seeking reassurance and action regarding the unexplained tremors.

Nasiru Ahmad, a miner with extensive experience in the area, shared that the sound accompanying the tremors could not easily be identified. “Unlike the blasts from stone mining, this sound seems to come from deep within the ground, and no one can pinpoint its origin,” Ahmad explained.

Speculations on the Cause
While there has been no official statement from NEMA or geological agencies, local experts and residents have speculated that illegal mining activities in the area may be to blame. Abuja is known for both legal and illegal quarry operations, and some believe these activities could be disturbing underground structures, leading to the tremors.

Others, however, remain concerned about the possibility of a more serious geological disturbance. Though Nigeria is not typically associated with major seismic activity, the unexpected tremors have raised questions about whether deeper, more dangerous shifts might be occurring beneath the earth’s surface.