- The Federal Government ordered the immediate closure of a mining site in Zurak, Wase LGA of Plateau State after 37 villagers reportedly died from inhaling toxic gases
- About 25 other individuals were hospitalised following exposure to suspected carbon monoxide during artisanal mining activities
- The victims, mostly young men aged 20–35, were said to have inhaled toxic fumes trapped in poorly ventilated underground tunnels
The Federal Government has ordered the immediate shutdown of a mining site in Plateau State following the death of about 37 villagers who reportedly inhaled toxic gases during artisanal mining operations.
PUNCH Metro learnt from a post by security analyst Zagazola Makama on X on Wednesday, February 18, that an additional 25 individuals were hospitalised after being exposed to suspected carbon monoxide at the mining location in Zurak, Wase Local Government Area.
The victims, mostly young men between the ages of 20 and 35, were said to be engaged in routine underground mining when they inhaled toxic fumes believed to have built up in poorly ventilated tunnels.
In response to the incident, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, directed the suspension of all activities under Mining Licence 11810, operated by Solid Unit Nigeria Limited, following the tragedy in the Zurak community of Wase LGA.
The licence, owned by Abdullahi Dan-China, is situated between longitudes 10.34.45 and 10.35.50 and latitudes 9.13.45 and 9.14.40.
Alake issued the directive in a statement released on Wednesday, February 18, in Abuja by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori.
According to the statement, the minister paid a condolence visit to the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, where he expressed profound grief over the incident and described the deceased as “innocent citizens trying to earn a living.”
Alake urged the governor to pass on his solidarity to the grieving community.
“The minister sympathised with the governor over the loss of the innocent citizens who died while trying to earn a living and urged him to convey his deep sorrow and solidarity with the people of Wase over the irreparable loss,” the statement read.
To investigate the circumstances surrounding the disaster, the minister dispatched a high-level fact-finding team led by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Yusuf Yabo. The team has been tasked with determining both the immediate and underlying causes of the incident and recommending appropriate sanctions.
The delegation comprises specialists in mining operations, 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 statement noted.
“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.”
Government officials stated that further details would be disclosed as investigations progress.
Initial findings suggest that the company had reportedly handed over the abandoned pit to members of the host community following agitation for economic opportunities and empowerment.
The site was said to be an abandoned lead mine containing mineral deposits susceptible to the release of sulphuric oxide gas. Unaware of the dangers, villagers allegedly undertook manual mining at the location and inhaled the toxic emissions, leading to the fatalities.
The incident draws attention to the increasing dangers posed by abandoned mining sites across Nigeria, particularly in rural areas where economic hardship drives residents to engage in informal mining without adequate safety knowledge.
PUNCH Metro reported that the development further highlights the ongoing challenge of illegal and artisanal mining in the country, which remains both a source of livelihood and a significant safety and environmental risk.
For years, disused mining sites in Plateau, Zamfara and Niger states have continued to pose environmental and public health hazards, with experts cautioning against exposure to heavy metals, toxic gases and polluted water sources.
The mining sector has received renewed focus under the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, with efforts aimed at formalising artisanal mining, enforcing environmental standards and attracting foreign investment.
Nonetheless, the latest tragedy indicates persistent gaps in monitoring host communities and ensuring proper mine closure and site rehabilitation.
In many cases, licensed operators fail to fully restore mining sites after operations cease, leaving behind hazardous pits that are later exploited informally by local communities.
Recently, the ministry has introduced initiatives to integrate artisanal miners into cooperatives while strengthening environmental and safety oversight.
Alake has consistently warned that illegal mining and unsafe practices endanger lives and undermine Nigeria’s ambition to develop a globally competitive mining industry.
The Plateau incident is expected to intensify calls for reforms in abandoned mine management, community engagement and environmental remediation.