FG shuts mining site in Plateau as it orders forensic investigation

The Federal Government has shut down the Solid Unity Nigeria Limited mining site in Kampani Zurak community, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, following an alleged carbon monoxide leak that killed 38 people and injured more than 20 miners.

The government has also ordered a forensic investigation to determine the exact cause of the incident. Henry Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, made the announcement during an on-the-spot assessment of the community. He attributed the tragedy to safety lapses and expressed concern over the absence of technical representatives of the licensed company at the site.

Alake said preliminary security reports indicated possible non-compliance with safety regulations and stressed that licence holders bear responsibility for safety oversight.

“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. We condoled with the families of those who lost their love ones,” he said. He assured residents that a comprehensive investigation would be carried out to prevent a recurrence.

Plateau State Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change and Mineral Development, Peter Gwom, noted that mining falls under the Exclusive Legislative List but called for stricter enforcement of the Mining Act 2007.

Gwom said the state government was prepared to collaborate with federal authorities to promote safer mining operations, adding that Plateau’s mineral resources should be a source of development rather than tragedy.

“We have too many widows and fatherless children due to unsafe mining practices. This must stop,” he said. He disclosed that the state had begun organising miners into cooperatives and providing training, safety equipment and micro-loans to reduce accidents and fatalities.

State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Joyce Ramnap, who accompanied the federal delegation, conveyed condolences on behalf of Governor Caleb Mutfwang to the affected families and the Wase Local Government Area.

She reiterated the need for strict compliance with mining regulations and referenced the governor’s earlier suspension of illegal mining activities aimed at strengthening safety and enforcement across the state. Authorities say investigations into the incident are ongoing.