FG Shuts Plateau Mining Site After Gas Leak Kills 37

A mining site in Plateau State has been halted by the federal government after it was claimed that 37 locals died as a result of breathing in toxic vapors while mining in the Zurak community of the Wase Local Government Area.

When young men working in an underground pit were exposed to hazardous fumes that were thought to have accumulated in poorly ventilated tunnels, the terrible event was claimed to have occurred.

Numerous victims were said to have been in the 20–35 age range.

Approximately 25 people were taken to the hospital for treatment after inhaling what was thought to be carbon monoxide, in addition to the others who perished.

Solid Unit Nigeria Limited operates Mining Licence 11810; in response to the development, Solid Minerals Development Minister Dele Alake ordered that activities be suspended.

In Wase, the license is owned by Abdullahi Dan-China and covers a region that falls within particular latitude and longitude coordinates.

Segun Tomori, the minister’s special assistant on media, gave the directive in a statement in Abuja.

While paying a condolence visit to Caleb Mutfwang, the governor of Plateau State, the minister conveyed his sadness over the killings and characterized the victims as law-abiding persons attempting to survive.

For the benefit of the impacted families and the entire Wase community, he requested that the governor convey his condolences and assistance.

The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Yusuf Yabo, is leading a high-level inquiry team that the minister appointed to find out what caused the catastrophe.

Professionals with expertise in environmental safety, artisanal mining methods, and mining operations comprise the team.

They have been requested to look into the gas leak’s immediate and underlying causes and to advise the government on what should be done, including potential sanctions.

According to officials, as investigations go, additional information will be released to the public.