Plateau Mining Tragedy: NOA Mourns 35 Dead, Urges Strict Safety Enforcement

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of more than 35 miners in Kanpani Zurak, Wase Local Government Area, Plateau State, calling for stricter enforcement of mining safety regulations nationwide.

In a statement in Abuja on Monday, NOA Director-General Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu described the accident as “completely unacceptable” in a modern society. He emphasized that adherence to safety rules must be a top priority to protect lives and national infrastructure.

Issa-Onilu warned that unauthorized mining and substandard safety practices often result in catastrophic outcomes, including fatal explosions and fires, like the one in Wase. He stressed that repeated mining disasters are preventable if operators follow established safety standards and regulatory frameworks.

He extended condolences to the families of the victims and urged regulatory authorities and mining stakeholders to intensify inspections, monitoring, and decisive action against illegal operations to prevent future tragedies.

Written by Adeyemi Adewale