By Peter Omopo
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of more than 35 miners in Kanpani Zurak, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, calling for stricter enforcement of safety regulations across mining sites nationwide.
In a statement issued by the Deputy Director of Communication and Media at NOA, Paul Odenyi, the Director-General of the agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, described the incident as completely unacceptable in a modern society.
He stressed that strict compliance with safety regulations is essential to safeguard lives and protect critical infrastructure, warning that the dangers associated with unauthorised mining and substandard safety practices far outweigh any perceived benefits.
According to him, reckless mining operations often result in catastrophic outcomes, including explosions and fires, which claimed the lives of the miners in the Plateau tragedy.
Issa-Onilu urged Nigerians to collectively reject unsafe mining practices that have repeatedly led to mass casualties, national trauma and preventable loss of life.
“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.
The NOA Director-General also called on relevant authorities and stakeholders in the mining sector to intensify enforcement of established safety standards. He emphasised the need for routine inspections and continuous monitoring of mining operations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to promoting responsible practices and raising awareness about the importance of safety compliance in high-risk sectors across the country.
