The Federal Government has inaugurated an 18-member panel to investigate the gas poisoning incident at a mining site in Zurak, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, which claimed 37 lives and left more than 20 others hospitalised.
Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Faruk Yabo, described the incident as tragic and a wake-up call for stricter safety compliance across Nigeria’s mining sector.
He said preliminary findings point to lapses in health and safety standards, weak regulatory enforcement, and operational negligence, stressing the need for a thorough probe to determine both immediate and underlying causes.
The Minister announced the immediate suspension of Solid Unit Mining Company Limited from operations at the affected site pending the outcome of the investigation, noting that the move is to safeguard lives and ensure compliance with mining laws and regulations.
The Ministry has mandated the panel to conduct a comprehensive technical and regulatory assessment of the incident, including safety practices, environmental compliance, community relations, and operational standards.
He urged mining companies to prioritise safety and strengthen partnerships with host communities, assuring that the Federal Government will implement the panel’s recommendations.
The committee has been given 21 days to submit its report.
(Editor: Ada Ononye)
