The Federal Government on Thursday began a comprehensive investigation into a mining disaster in Zurak community, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, where at least 37 miners have been confirmed dead and 25 others hospitalized.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Henry Dele Alake, was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Faruk Yabo, as a federal delegation visited the site. The team included the Director of Mines Compliance, the Director of Inspectorate, the Director of Environmental Compliance and Special Duties, alongside representatives from the Plateau State Government.
The tragedy, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, is suspected to have been caused by carbon monoxide and sulphite gas emissions, though authorities are yet to confirm the exact cause.
Speaking at the scene, Minister Alake described the loss of life as “highly tragic” and expressed condolences to the bereaved families. “It is devastating for a community like this to lose more than 30 able-bodied persons. We are here on a fact-finding mission,” he said.
He noted preliminary reports suggest the presence of toxic gases at the site and expressed concern over the absence of technical representatives from the licensed mining company, stressing that license holders bear responsibility for safety oversight. He added that early security reports indicate possible violations of safety regulations at illegal mining operations in the area.
The minister assured that a full investigation would establish the cause of the disaster and help prevent future occurrences.
Also addressing the delegation, Attah Onoja, Assistant Commandant of Corps and National Commander of Mining Marshals under the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, said the tragedy underscores federal efforts to eliminate illegal mining. He called for stronger collaboration among security agencies to ensure a safer mining environment and pledged full enforcement of investigative findings.
Plateau State Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change, and Mineral Development, Peter Gwom, highlighted that mining falls under the Exclusive Legislative List and called for stricter implementation of the Mining Act 2007. He stressed that Plateau’s mineral wealth should benefit the community, not bring tragedy, noting state efforts to organize miners into cooperatives with training, safety gear, and micro-loans to reduce fatalities.
“We have too many widows and fatherless children due to unsafe mining practices. This must stop,” Gwom said.
Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, conveyed condolences from Governor Caleb Mutfwang, reiterating the importance of complying with mining regulations. She noted that the governor had previously suspended illegal mining activities to improve safety and regulatory compliance.
Wase Local Government Chairman Hamis Anani commended the swift federal and state response.
Receiving the delegation on behalf of the affected families, traditional ruler Hakimi Bashar Aliyu Adamu Idris expressed gratitude for the visit but lamented the humanitarian impact, with many women widowed and children left fatherless. He appealed for government support, particularly improved road infrastructure, to enhance accessibility, security, and safer mining operations in the community.
