Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has ordered the immediate closure of areas covered by Mining Licence 11810 in Zuraq community, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, following the death of villagers reportedly exposed to poisonous gaseous emissions.
In a condolence message to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the Minister expressed deep sympathy over the tragic loss of lives, describing the victims as citizens who were trying to earn a livelihood.
He urged the Governor to convey the Federal Government’s solidarity to the affected families and the people of Wase.
Dr. Alake has also deployed a high-powered investigative team led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Yusuf Yabo, to determine both the immediate and remote causes of the incident.
The team comprises mining experts, environmental compliance officers, and representatives of artisanal mining cooperatives, and is expected to recommend appropriate sanctions where necessary.
Preliminary findings indicate that the pit, reportedly an abandoned lead mining site, may have contained sulphuric oxide emissions.
The affected villagers were said to have engaged in mining activities at the location, allegedly after the operator, Solid Unit Nigeria Limited, ceded the pit to the community following local demands for empowerment.
The Minister assured that the Federal Government is coordinating response efforts to manage the situation and prevent future occurrences.
He pledged that further details will be made public as investigations progress.
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