By Our Reporter
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of more than 35 miners in a tragic incident at Kanpani Zurak in Wase Local Government Area, calling for the strict enforcement of safety regulations across mining sites nationwide.
The accident, which occurred in Plateau State, has sparked renewed concerns over unsafe mining practices and regulatory lapses in parts of the country.
Reacting to the tragedy, NOA Director General, Lanre Issa-Onilu, described the incident as “completely unacceptable in a modern society,” stressing that compliance with established safety standards must be treated as a national priority.
He warned that the risks linked to unauthorised mining activities and substandard safety measures far outweigh any perceived economic benefits, noting that such practices often lead to devastating consequences, including deadly explosions and infernos.
According to the DG, the recurring loss of lives in mining communities underscores the urgent need for stricter monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.
Call for Collective Responsibility
Issa-Onilu urged Nigerians to collectively reject practices that have repeatedly resulted in mass casualties and national trauma, insisting that such tragedies are preventable.
“We mourn the loss of our compatriots in the mining community and extend our deepest condolences to the grieving families. We stand in solidarity with them, with the state, and with Nigeria as a whole,” he said.
Push for Stronger Oversight
The Agency called on relevant authorities and stakeholders in the mining sector to intensify compliance efforts, particularly through routine inspections and strengthened monitoring of mining sites.
The NOA maintained that improved enforcement of safety regulations and enhanced protective measures remain critical to safeguarding lives and preventing further disasters in Nigeria’s mining industry.
