Plateau Mine Tragedy: 40 Lives Lost in Entirely Preventable Disaster, Says Fayemi

The mining tragedy that claimed dozens of lives in Plateau State has drawn sharp criticism from former Minister of Solid Minerals, Kayode Fayemi, who describes the loss as both heartbreaking and avoidable.
In a statement following the incident at a mining site in the Kampani Zurak community of Wase Local Government Area, Fayemi expressed deep sorrow for the victims and their families. He emphasised that the deaths of nearly 40 men in the underground disaster could have been prevented with robust safety measures and proper oversight.
The tragedy occurred when workers were exposed to toxic gas inside a poorly ventilated mine shaft, a mishap that authorities say resulted in at least 37 confirmed deaths and sickened more than 20 others. The site has since been shut down as federal and state officials investigate the causes and broader implications of the disaster.
Fayemi’s remarks underscore long‑standing concerns over safety standards in Nigeria’s mining sector, especially in informal and poorly regulated sites where equipment and hazard monitoring are minimal or absent. He called for urgent reforms that would enforce stringent safety protocols and prevent similar incidents from recurring.
Meanwhile, the federal government has dispatched a team to the Plateau site to conduct a thorough investigation, with ministers and regulatory officials pledging to hold responsible parties accountable and to enhance oversight of mining operations nationwide.
Residents and community leaders have also appealed for sustained government support for the victims’ families, including improved safety education, medical assistance for survivors, and economic opportunities that do not expose workers to life‑threatening risks.
The Plateau mine tragedy has reopened national discourse on artisanal and licensed mining practices in Nigeria, spotlighting the urgent need for coordinated regulatory action to protect lives and livelihoods in mineral‑rich regions.