At least 37 villagers in Zurak hamlet, Wase Local Government Area, are said to have died as a result of breathing in toxic gasses during local mining operations, prompting the federal government to close a mine site in Plateau State.
Young men working in an underground pit were said to have been exposed to hazardous vapors that were thought to have accumulated in poorly ventilated tunnels, resulting in the terrible occurrence.
It was reported that several of the victims were in the 20–35 age range.
Along with the fatalities, some twenty-five additional people were sent to the hospital for treatment after inhaling what was thought to be carbon monoxide.
Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, ordered the suspension of operations at Solid Unit Nigeria Limited’s Mining Licence 11810 in response to the development.
The license, which belongs to Abdullahi Dan-China, covers a region in Wase that falls within particular longitude and latitude coordinates.
Segun Tomori, the minister’s special assistant on media, issued the directive in a statement from Abuja.
The minister conveyed his sadness over the fatalities during a condolence visit to Caleb Mutfwang, the governor of Plateau State, and characterized the victims as people attempting to survive through legal means.
To the impacted families and the whole Wase community, he urged the governor to express his condolences and assistance.
A high-level inquiry team led by Yusuf Yabo, the ministry’s permanent secretary, has been dispatched by the minister to determine what caused the catastrophe.
The group consists of experts in artisanal mining methods, environmental safety, and mining operations.
In addition to advising the government on the necessary steps, including potential sanctions, they have been requested to investigate the immediate and underlying reasons of the gas leak.
More information will be released to the public as investigations proceed, officials revealed.
