MINISTER ORDERS PROBE, SEALS PLATEAU MINING SITE FOLLOWING VILLAGERS’ DEATHS
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By: Balogun Ibrahim
The Federal Government has ordered the immediate shutdown of a mining site in Plateau State following the reported deaths of several villagers who allegedly inhaled toxic gases while carrying out artisanal mining activities. The incident has once again highlighted the dangers associated with abandoned mining pits and illegal mineral exploitation across the country.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, directed the suspension of all activities within Mining Licence 11810, operated by Solid Unit Nigeria Limited, after the tragic incident occurred in Zuraq community of Wase Local Government Area.
The mining licence, reportedly owned by Abdullahi Dan-China, is located between longitudes 10.34.45 and 10.35.50 and latitudes 9.13.45 and 9.14.40.
The directive was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by the minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori.
Tomori disclosed that the minister made a condolence call to the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, during which he expressed profound grief over the loss of lives, describing the victims as innocent citizens striving to make a living.
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According to the statement, Alake appealed to the governor to extend his condolences and solidarity to the affected community.
It added that the minister commiserated with the governor and the people of Wase over the deaths of the victims, noting that they lost their lives while attempting to earn a livelihood, and urged that his sympathies be conveyed to the community over the tragic and irreparable loss.
The minister has constituted a high-level investigative panel, headed by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Yusuf Yabo, to ascertain both the immediate and underlying causes of the incident and to recommend appropriate sanctions.
According to the statement, the team comprises specialists in mining operations, environmental compliance, as well as artisanal and small-scale mining cooperatives.
It stated that the minister has deployed officials and investigators to thoroughly probe the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure proper accountability, noting that the team is being fully supported and coordinated to guarantee an effective response.
The statement added that the Federal Government would provide further updates as the investigation unfolds.
Preliminary reports suggest that the company reportedly handed over the abandoned mining pit to the host community after local residents petitioned for economic opportunities and empowerment.
The site, according to sources, is a disused lead mining area containing mineral deposits that are susceptible to releasing sulphur oxide gas.
Unaware of the site’s toxic hazards, villagers reportedly carried out manual extraction, inhaling poisonous gases that led to the fatal incident.
The tragedy underscores the growing dangers of abandoned mining pits across Nigeria, particularly in rural areas where economic hardship drives residents to informal mining without proper safety knowledge.
According to reports by The Media, the incident highlights the ongoing challenge of illegal and artisanal mining in the country, which provides livelihoods for many communities but also poses serious safety and environmental risks.
Over the years, abandoned mining sites in parts of Plateau Stateigeria”], Zamfara Statenigeria”], and Niger State have presented environmental and public health hazards, with experts warning of exposure to heavy metals, toxic gases, and contaminated water.
Nigeria’s mining sector has recently received renewed government focus under the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, with efforts to formalise artisanal mining, enforce environmental compliance, and attract foreign investment.
Nevertheless, the latest incident demonstrates persistent gaps in monitoring host communities and enforcing mine closure and rehabilitation requirements. Licensed operators often fail to fully reclaim sites after operations, leaving hazardous pits that are later exploited informally.
In response, the ministry has in recent months launched initiatives to integrate artisanal miners into cooperatives while strengthening environmental and safety oversight.
Our correspondent reports that Dele Alake has consistently cautioned that illegal mining and unsafe practices endanger lives and undermine Nigeria’s drive to develop a globally competitive mining sector.
The recent tragedy in Plateau State may prompt accelerated reforms focused on abandoned mine management, stronger community engagement, and improved environmental remediation.
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