The Federal Government has ordered the closure of a mining site in Zurak, Wase Local Government Area, after a gas leak reportedly killed 37 villagers engaged in artisanal mining.
According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, shared on X, another 25 people were hospitalised after inhaling suspected carbon monoxide at the site. The victims were mostly young men aged between 20 and 35, carrying out routine underground mining when they were exposed to the toxic gases.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, directed the suspension of all activities at Mining Licence 11810, operated by Solid Unit Nigeria Limited and owned by Abdullahi Dan-China. The licence covers an area previously used for lead mining, which experts say may emit sulphuric oxide gas.
In a statement, Alake expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing the victims as “innocent citizens trying to earn a living,” and asked Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang to convey his condolences to the affected community.
He also said that he has dispatched a high-level investigative team led by the permanent secretary in the ministry, Yusuf Yabo, to determine both the immediate and remote causes of the incident and recommend sanctions.
The team, according to the statement, includes experts in mining, environmental compliance and artisanal and small-scale mining cooperatives.
“The minister has dispatched a team of officials and investigators to probe the remote and immediate causes of the incident and recommend appropriate sanctions,”
“The team also includes experts in mining, environmental compliance and artisanal cooperatives. The minister is coordinating the team and support services to ensure effective management of the situation.”
Preliminary reports suggest that the miners had engaged in manual extraction in an abandoned pit ceded to the community, unaware of the toxic gases accumulating underground.
Authorities have promised further updates as investigations continue, while the government coordinates support services to assist the victims’ families.
