The federal government has closed a mining site in Zurak, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, following a deadly gas poisoning incident that left at least 37 people dead and 26 others hospitalised on Wednesday.
Dele Alake, minister of solid minerals development, directed the immediate shutdown of operations under Mining Licence 11810, managed by Solid Unit Nigeria Limited and owned by Abdullahi Dan-China.
The action followed confirmation that the victims — mostly young artisanal miners between the ages of 20 and 35 — were exposed to dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and lead oxide inside a poorly ventilated underground pit at the abandoned lead site.
In a statement, Segun Tomori, spokesperson to the minister, said initial findings showed the company had handed over the pit to local miners after community calls for empowerment.
Unaware that leftover mineral deposits could release harmful gases, the miners reportedly entered the enclosed space and were quickly overcome by toxic fumes.
The Plateau State Police Command, which responded to the incident around 6am, secured the area and deployed tactical teams, including Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialists. Authorities also collected rock, soil and mineral samples for forensic examination.
Police said there were no signs of an explosion or explosive materials, attributing the fatalities solely to a sudden discharge of toxic gas.
Alake later paid a condolence visit to Caleb Mutfwang, governor of Plateau State, expressing sympathy and solidarity with the people of Wase over the “irreparable loss” of residents who were trying to earn a living.