The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has mourned the deaths of more than 35 miners in a tragic incident at Kanpani Zurak, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, calling for stricter enforcement of safety regulations across mining sites nationwide.
This was contained in a in a statement on Monday, by Paul Odenyi, Deputy Director on Communication and Media.
NOA Director-General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, described the incident as unacceptable in a modern society and stressed the urgent need for full compliance with established safety standards in the mining sector.
He warned that unauthorised mining activities and poor safety practices pose grave dangers, often leading to devastating explosions, infernos, and loss of lives, as witnessed in the Wase tragedy.
“The dangers associated with unauthorised mining operations and substandard safety measures far outweigh any perceived benefits,” Issa-Onilu said, adding that such reckless practices frequently result in avoidable disasters and national trauma.
The NOA boss urged Nigerians to collectively reject unsafe and illegal mining activities that have repeatedly led to mass casualties and needless destruction.
“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 stated.
Issa-Onilu called on relevant authorities and stakeholders in the mining industry to intensify routine inspections, strengthen monitoring mechanisms, and ensure strict adherence to safety regulations to prevent future occurrences.
The Agency emphasized that safeguarding lives must remain paramount in all mining operations across the country.