The Federal Government has expressed deep concern over the recent mass death recorded at an underground mining site in Zurak, Plateau State, where at least 37 miners were confirmed dead and dozens hospitalised following suspected gas poisoning.
The Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Henry Dele Alake, represented by Permanent Secretary Faruk Yahaya Yabo, led a federal delegation to the site on Thursday, February 19. The team included the Director of Mines Compliance, Director of Inspectorate, and Director of Environmental Compliance and Special Duties as well as other state government representatives.
The delegation’s visit followed the tragedy that struck the mining community in the early hours of Tuesday, reportedly caused by suspected carbon monoxide and sulphite gas emissions.
Speaking after arriving the affected site, the minister conveyed condolences to the bereaved families, describing the incident as devastating.
“It is highly tragic 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 that preliminary information suggests the presence of toxic gases, although this has not yet been confirmed. He expressed disappointment over the absence of technical representatives from the licensed mining company, stressing that license holders remain responsible for safety oversight even where community members operate within concession areas.
The minister also disclosed that early security reports indicated possible non-compliance with safety regulations and hinted at illegal mining activities in the area. He assured that a full investigation would determine the exact cause and prevent future occurrences.
Plateau State Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change and Mineral Development, Peter K. Gwom, said mining falls under the exclusive legislative list but urged stronger implementation of the Mining Act 2007.
He noted that the state government is ready to collaborate with federal authorities to ensure safer mining practices.
Gwom emphasized that Plateau’s mineral wealth should be a blessing rather than a source of tragedy, adding that the state has begun organizing miners into cooperatives, providing 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,” he said.
Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, conveyed condolences on behalf of Governor Caleb Mutfwang to the affected community and Wase Local Government Area.
She reiterated the importance of adhering to mining regulations and noted the governor’s earlier action suspending illegal mining activities to improve safety and regulatory compliance.
Executive Chairman of Wase Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Hamisu Muhammad Anani, who also chairs the state chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), commended the swift federal and state response.
He pledged intensified community sensitization efforts, noting that economic hardship continues to drive people from across the country into mining activities.
Also speaking at the site, Assistant Commandant of Corps Attah John Onoja, National Commander of Mining Marshals under the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, said the tragedy reinforces federal efforts to eliminate illegal mining.
He assured that findings from the investigation would be fully enforced, stressing collaboration among security agencies to ensure a safer mining environment.
Receiving the delegation on behalf of affected families, Hakimi Bashar, Aliyu Adamu Idris, expressed gratitude for the visit but lamented the humanitarian impact, noting that many women have been 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.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the incident and strengthen safety measures across mining sites nationwide.
