The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has urged for stronger security enforcement in mining communities and the possible establishment of an Army battalion in Zurak, following a gas poisoning incident that claimed 37 lives in Plateau State. Dr. Alake made the call in Abuja while receiving the report of the High-Level Investigation Committee set up to investigate the incident at the Zurak lead-zinc mining site.
According to Dr. Alake, strengthening the Mining Marshals and providing a permanent military presence in the area would help curb illegal mining and prevent further loss of lives. The Minister described the incident as unfortunate, stressing that the government must strengthen safety regulations, improve enforcement, and put preventive measures in place to minimise the impact of mining accidents.
The gas poisoning incident occurred on February 18, 2026, within Mining Lease ML111H10, operated by Solid Unit Nigeria Limited, in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State. The victims, who were not employees of the mining company, were illegal miners who entered an abandoned underground mine where poisonous gases had accumulated.
The investigation, conducted by a 19-member committee inaugurated on April 16, 2026, established that the victims died after inhaling carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulphide gases that had accumulated in the abandoned underground mine. The committee visited the affected site on April 20, 2026, collected samples for laboratory analysis, and engaged community leaders, residents, and security formations in the area.
Dr. Alake noted that the victims were illegal miners who entered an abandoned underground mine where poisonous gases had accumulated, making it difficult for regulatory officials to monitor activities at the location. He said the incident further demonstrated the dangers of illegal mining and the need to strengthen enforcement agencies, particularly the Mining Marshals, through improved personnel, equipment, and modern technology.
The Minister stated that more than 100 mining sites had been recovered from illegal operators and returned to their legitimate owners, while several others had been arrested and prosecuted. He explained that the proposed Army battalion in Zurak would complement the activities of the Mining Marshals by providing a permanent security presence after illegal mining sites had been cleared.
Dr. Alake also called for the development of technological devices to detect poisonous gases in underground mines, urging Nigerian universities and technical institutions to invest in research and innovation that could improve mining safety. The report of the committee would be forwarded to relevant authorities for consideration and implementation, as the administration is determined to ensure that the work of investigative committees does not end with the submission of reports.
Key points
- Dr. Dele Alake calls for stronger security enforcement in mining communities.
- The gas poisoning incident killed 37 people in Plateau State.
- The Minister proposes the establishment of an Army battalion in Zurak to curb illegal mining.
