JUST IN: Wase Mine Deaths: FG Orders Immediate Closure, Deploys Forensic Team

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, has ordered the immediate closure of areas covered by Mining Licence 11810 operated by Solid Unit Nigeria Limited, owned by Abdullahi Dan-China, in Zuraq, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, following the deaths of villagers allegedly mining in a pit containing gaseous emissions.

The directive was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake.

According to the statement, during a condolence call to Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, Alake sympathised with him over the loss of the innocent citizens who died while trying to earn a living.

He urged the governor to convey his deep sorrow and solidarity with the people of Wase over what he described as an irreparable loss.

To determine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, the minister has dispatched a team of officials and investigators led by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Engr. Yusuf Yabo, to probe both the remote and immediate causes of the incident and recommend appropriate sanctions.

The investigative team includes experts in mining, environmental compliance and artisanal co-operatives. The minister is personally co-ordinating the team and overseeing support services to ensure effective management of the situation.

The actions followed preliminary reports indicating that the company had ceded the pit where the incident occurred to members of the host community for mining activities after agitations by villagers seeking empowerment opportunities.

Findings revealed that the site was an abandoned lead mining location, with residual minerals believed to be prone to sulphuric oxide emissions. Unaware of the hazardous nature of the gaseous substance, the villagers reportedly engaged in extraction activities and inhaled the toxic fumes.

The statement further noted that Mining Licence 11810 is located between longitudes 10.34.45 and 10.35.50, and latitudes 9.13.45 and 9.14.40.

The minister assured that further disclosures would be made as investigations progress.