FORMER Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Kayode Fayemi, has revealed that the underground mining site in Zurak, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, where at least 37 persons reportedly died following a gas leak last week was shut down during his tenure in office.
Reacting to the tragic incident, Fayemi disclosed that the facility had been sealed in 2017 after complaints from the host community over illegal and unsafe mining activities.
Fayemi served as minister of solid minerals development from 2015 until 2018, when he resigned to contest the Ekiti State governorship election, which he subsequently won.
In a statement sent to News Point Nigeria addressing the recent tragedy, Fayemi said he personally visited the Zurak mining site in 2017 alongside Babagana Monguno, who was then serving as National Security Adviser (NSA).
According to him, the visit followed credible complaints from members of the host community regarding illegal operations and environmental concerns at the site.
He said the ministry took immediate action upon confirming the infractions.
“We embargoed mining at the sites, arrested the illegal Chinese operators, and declared the purported owner of the illegal lead and zinc mines, Alhaji Dan China, wanted,” Fayemi stated.
He added that the suspect was later apprehended and prosecuted through the intervention of the Office of the National Security Adviser.
However, Fayemi noted that the accused was subsequently released after he left office.
The former minister disclosed that preliminary findings indicate that last week’s deadly gas leak occurred at the same mining site that had been shut down in 2017.
“My preliminary discussions with officials of the ministry, as well as with the former deputy speaker and Wase representative in the House of Representatives, Idris Wase, indicate that this tragedy occurred at the same mine,” Fayemi said.
The gas leak, which reportedly claimed at least 37 lives, has reignited concerns about illegal and poorly regulated mining activities in Plateau State and other parts of the country.
Fayemi argued that the tragedy could likely have been prevented if enforcement actions initiated during his tenure had been sustained.
He stressed that illegal mining operations pose serious environmental, safety and security risks, particularly in vulnerable host communities.
The former minister called on relevant authorities to take decisive and sustained action against illegal mining operators across the country.
“Mining activities must not be conducted to the detriment of host communities,” he said.
He urged security agencies and regulatory bodies to strictly enforce mining and environmental laws, warning that vested interests must not be allowed to override public safety.
The Zurak incident has once again spotlighted the dangers associated with unregulated mining, particularly underground operations where toxic gases can accumulate if proper ventilation and safety protocols are not in place.
Expressing his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, Fayemi described the incident as tragic and avoidable.
He urged the Federal Government and Plateau State authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure accountability where lapses are established.