Senate President and presidential aspirant, Bukola Saraki, has urged residents of Abuja to remain calm following the tremors felt in some parts of the Federal Capital Territory.
In a tweet on his official handle, @bukolasaraki, he said, “we have all been feeling the earth tremors in Abuja and surrounding areas over the last 48 hours. I know that many people are scared, but please, remain calm and vigilant.”
Noting that the Chairman of the Senate Committee on FCT, Senator Dino Melaye, had already briefed the FCT Minister on the issue, Saraki called on the FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and all emergency services to be on “high alert to prevent the loss of lives and property.”
He tweeted further: “In the event of an emergency, the FCT Emergency Management Agency can be reached at the following numbers: 112 (toll free), 0818-888-8766 and 0805-722-4574.”
Former Chairman of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Dr. Joe Abah, tweeting on his official handle said: “I felt my house in Jabi, Abuja, vibrate around 9 p.m. last night. It didn’t feel like an earth tremor. It was more like an explosion that pushed the air, rattled the windows and shook chandeliers. Almost exactly like when the This Day Office in Utako was bombed some years ago.”
Meanwhile, the FCT Emergency Management Agency has also urged residents of Abuja and environs not to panic.
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In a statement issued on Friday, he said what happened could be as a result of earth tremor: “a sign of seismic movement within the earth caused by sudden breaks along a fault line which results in sudden release of energy that makes the ground shake.”
As part of safety tips, the statement reads: “If you stay in a building, locate a safe room, drop down and take cover under desks or tables and hold on tight to it. You should stay away from windows and objects that may fly.
“If you are outdoor, find a clear spot away from buildings, trees and power lines; if you are in a car, slow down and drive to a clear place, stay in the car until the shaking stops.”
The statement further advised residents: “There is nothing to panic as there is no likelihood of any earthquake disaster in Nigeria as we are not in earthquake zone. Therefore, we are urging all residents to calm down and be rest assured that the abnormal situation will soon stop.”
Some of the areas where the tremor was felt include Jabi, Katampe, Maitama, Mbbape and Gwarimpa.
