38 Dead As FG Orders Closure Of Plateau Mining Operations
By AUGUSTINA McSOLOMON-OGHAKPERUO
Deadly Gas Exposure Rocks Mining Community
A fatal carbon monoxide exposure at a mining site in Kampani Zurak, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, has led the Federal Government to shut down operations in the area and launch a forensic investigation.
The incident, which claimed 38 lives and injured about 20 others, has been described as one of the most devastating mining disasters in the community in recent years.
Federal Response and Investigation
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Henry Dele Alake, visited the community for an on-the-spot assessment, where he attributed the tragedy to glaring safety lapses.
He lamented the absence of technical officials from the licensed mining company and stressed that operators bear primary responsibility for ensuring compliance with safety standards. According to preliminary security reports, there may have been violations of safety regulations at the site.
Alake assured residents that a thorough investigation would be carried out to determine the root cause of the carbon monoxide exposure. He said the findings would guide corrective action to prevent a recurrence.
Describing the loss as heartbreaking, the minister extended condolences to grieving families and pledged federal support in the aftermath of the disaster.
State Government Seeks Stronger Compliance
Plateau State Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change and Mineral Development, Peter Gwom, called for stricter implementation of the Mining Act 2007, even though mining regulation rests with the Federal Government.
He said the state has initiated reforms aimed at improving safety, including grouping miners into cooperatives, providing training programmes, distributing safety equipment and offering micro-financing support.
Gwom stressed that the state’s mineral wealth should foster prosperity, not tragedy, noting that unsafe practices have left many families bereaved.
Also part of the delegation, the State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Joyce Ramnap, conveyed Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s sympathy to the affected community. She reaffirmed the governor’s earlier suspension of illegal mining activities to improve oversight and enforcement.
With investigations underway, authorities say safety compliance in mining communities will now receive heightened scrutiny to avert further loss of life.
