Residents of Mpape, a densely populated suburb in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, have been thrown into panic following a series of earth tremors that have persisted for three consecutive days. The tremors, which began on Saturday and continued through Sunday and Monday, have left the community in fear, with many unsure of what may come next.
The tremors caused buildings to shake violently, and a loud, ominous sound echoed through the area, intensifying concerns about possible structural damage and the safety of residents. Mpape, located just 10 minutes away from the upscale Maitama district, is home to both low-income earners and middle-class citizens, making it a highly diverse community now facing a growing crisis.
The tremors have been most noticeable in specific parts of Mpape, particularly in the P.W. Neighbourhood and the Mopol 24 Barracks, areas bisected by the narrow road leading into the community. In addition to these areas, the eerie sounds of the tremor have been reported near Katampe Junction, a location connected to the bustling Murtala Muhammad Expressway.
As the tremors continue, residents are growing more anxious about the potential impact on their homes and livelihoods. Many have already expressed fears that their houses may collapse if the shaking continues. Local authorities have been inundated with calls from worried community members, who have begun questioning the safety measures in place to protect them from natural disasters.
One resident, Paul, expressed his concern: “It is terrifying to feel the ground shaking beneath you. I’ve lived in Mpape for years, and I’ve never experienced anything like this. We don’t know what’s causing it, and it feels like nobody has any answers.”
Authorities have been working to respond to the situation. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), which initially reacted to the earlier tremors, has once again stepped in, issuing a suspension of all mining activities in the area. The agency believes that ongoing mining operations in and around Mpape may be a contributing factor to the tremors.
Mining is a significant activity in the Mpape area, and many residents have long expressed concerns about its potential environmental impact. Mpape is known for its rocky terrain, and the area has been exploited for its mineral resources for years. However, the recent tremors have intensified fears that the region’s geology is being destabilized, possibly due to mining activities.
A NEMA official confirmed the agency’s suspension order, stating: “We have suspended all mining activities in Mpape as a precautionary measure. Our team of geologists and emergency response experts are currently assessing the situation to determine the exact cause of the tremors. Public safety remains our top priority.”
Despite these measures, the fear among residents has not subsided. Many families have evacuated their homes, seeking refuge in other parts of Abuja or with relatives in less-affected areas. Those who remain are on high alert, bracing themselves for further tremors. Some have reported cracks in their buildings, adding to the widespread unease.
Experts are urging calm, while advising residents to take precautions. Charles Onu, an Abuja-based geologist, explained that while tremors are not uncommon in areas with significant underground mining, it is essential for authorities to investigate whether the current incidents are natural or man-made.
“Earth tremors can be triggered by a variety of factors, including underground mining, natural shifts in the earth’s crust, or even seismic activity related to fault lines. It’s critical that we determine the exact cause to prevent further damage and ensure the safety of the community,” Onu stated.
As the tremors persist, calls for the government to improve disaster preparedness and emergency response have grown louder. Mpape residents are appealing to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to take swift action, including providing temporary shelters for those displaced and repairing the infrastructure that may have been compromised by the tremors.
Meanwhile, the community remains on edge, with many uncertain about the future. As authorities continue to investigate, residents of Mpape hope for an end to the tremors—and the fear that has gripped their once peaceful neighborhood.
The government is expected to release a formal report on the findings of the investigation in the coming days, but until then, Mpape remains in a state of suspense, waiting for answers and hoping for relief.
