FG Shuts Plateau Mining Site After Villagers Die from Toxic Gas
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, on Thursday ordered the immediate closure of Mining Licence 11810 in Zuraq, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, following the death of villagers who reportedly inhaled poisonous gas while mining in an abandoned pit.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, expressed condolences to Governor Caleb Mutfwang over the loss of lives, describing the deaths as a tragic loss of innocent citizens trying to earn a living.
He urged the governor to convey his deep sorrow and solidarity to the people of Wase.
To uncover both the immediate and underlying causes of the incident, the minister has dispatched a high-powered investigative team led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Yusuf Yabo.
The team includes officials and experts in mining operations, environmental compliance, and artisanal mining cooperatives.
Alake is personally coordinating the team and support services to ensure effective management of the situation.
Preliminary reports indicate that the company previously ceded the pit where the tragedy occurred to the community following local agitations for empowerment.
The abandoned lead site reportedly contained minerals prone to emitting sulphuric oxide. Unaware of the toxic nature of the emissions, villagers engaged in extraction and inhaled the poisonous gas.
According to the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, Mining Licence 11810 is located between longitudes 10.34.45 and 10.35.50, and latitudes 9.13.45 and 9.14.40.
The minister assured that further updates would be released as investigations continue and reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to enforcing safety standards to prevent similar tragedies in mining communities.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
