By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE. POST) – Former Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Kayode Fayemi, has expressed deep anguish over the deaths of about 40 people in a mining disaster at Kampani Zurak in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, describing the tragedy as “entirely preventable.”
Fayemi who stated this when he took to his X handle @kfayemi on Sunday in reaction to the tragedy said, several others were reportedly injured or remain missing following the incident at the site, which Fayemi said had previously been shut down by authorities during his tenure.
Recounting his time in office, Fayemi disclosed that he personally visited the mines alongside the National Security Adviser and the state governor after receiving numerous complaints from members of the host community. Following the visit, the Federal Government placed an embargo on mining activities at the site, arrested illegal Chinese operators, and declared the alleged owner of the illegal lead and zinc mines, Alhaji Dan China, wanted.
According to Fayemi, the suspect was eventually apprehended and prosecuted by the Office of the National Security Adviser but was later released after he left office.
Preliminary discussions with officials of the Ministry, as well as with former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Wase representative, Idris Wase, indicated that the latest tragedy occurred at the same mine that had previously been sealed.
Fayemi maintained that the loss of lives could have been avoided if security agencies had sustained the enforcement actions initiated by the Ministry in 2017.
He extended his condolences to the families of the victims and called on the government to take firm and decisive action against illegal mining operators who violate environmental and safety regulations.
“Mining activities must not be conducted to the detriment of host communities,” he stressed, urging authorities to act regardless of whose interests are involved.
