The Federal Government has expressed deep concern over the recent mass death recorded at an underground mining site in Zurak, Plateau State, where at least 37 miners died and several others were hospitalised following suspected gas poisoning.

The Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Henry Dele Alake, represented by Permanent Secretary Faruk Yahaya Yabo, led a federal delegation to the community on Thursday, February 19, on a fact-finding mission.

The team included directors from mines compliance, inspectorate, environmental compliance, and special duties, alongside officials of the state government.

The visit followed the tragedy that struck the mining community in the early hours of Tuesday, reportedly caused by suspected carbon monoxide and sulphite gas emissions within the mining shaft.

Speaking at the site, the minister conveyed condolences to the bereaved families, describing the incident as devastating.

“It is highly tragic for a community like this to lose more than 30 able-bodied persons. We are here on a fact-finding mission,” he said.

He noted that while preliminary information points to the presence of toxic gases, this has not yet been scientifically confirmed. He also expressed concern over the absence of technical representatives from the licensed mining company, stressing that concession holders remain responsible for safety oversight even when local miners operate within their licensed areas.

The minister added that early security reports suggested possible violations of safety regulations and hinted at illegal mining activities, assuring that a comprehensive investigation would determine the exact cause and guide preventive measures.

Plateau State Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change and Mineral Development, Peter K. Gwom, said although mining falls under federal jurisdiction, stronger enforcement of the Mining Act 2007 is necessary.

He stated that the state government is ready to collaborate with federal authorities to improve mining safety, noting that the government has begun organizing miners into cooperatives, offering training, safety equipment, and micro-loans to reduce fatalities.

“We have too many widows and fatherless children due to unsafe mining practices. This must stop,” he said.

Also speaking, Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Lohya Ramnap, conveyed condolences on behalf of Governor Caleb Mutfwang and reiterated the importance of compliance with mining regulations. She referenced the governor’s earlier suspension of illegal mining operations as part of efforts to strengthen safety.

Executive Chairman of Wase Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Hamisu Muhammad Anani, commended the swift response of both federal and state authorities, pledging intensified community sensitisation, while noting that economic hardship continues to push many people into informal mining.

Meanwhile, the National Commander of Mining Marshals under the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Assistant Commandant Attah John Onoja, said the tragedy reinforces the urgency of federal efforts to eliminate illegal mining. He assured that findings of the investigation would be fully enforced in collaboration with security agencies.

Receiving the delegation on behalf of affected families, community representative Hakimi Bashar Aliyu Adamu Idris expressed appreciation for the visit but lamented the humanitarian toll, noting that many women had been widowed and children left fatherless. He appealed for government support, particularly improved road infrastructure to enhance accessibility, security, and safer mining operations.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing to determine the precise cause of the incident and to strengthen safety compliance across mining sites nationwide.