Following the tragic deaths of over 35 miners at Kanpani Zurak in Wase Local Government Area, National Orientation Agency (NOA) has expressed profound sorrow and called for rigorous enforcement of safety regulations and enhanced protective measures across mining sites nationwide.

NOA Director-General, Lanre Issa-Onilu, described the incident as unacceptable in a modern society and emphasized that strict adherence to safety protocols is vital to protecting human lives and preserving critical national infrastructure.

Paul Odenyi, NOA’s Deputy Director of Communication and Media, highlighted the significant risks posed by unauthorised mining and inadequate safety measures, noting that such reckless practices often lead to catastrophic outcomes like the explosions and fires that claimed lives in this tragic accident.

Issa-Onilu urged Nigerians to unite against unsafe mining activities that result in mass casualties and national trauma, stressing that such disasters are entirely 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, the state, and the nation,” the DG stated.

He concluded by calling on relevant authorities and stakeholders in the mining sector to intensify enforcement of safety standards, ensuring routine inspections and monitoring of mining operations to prevent future tragedies.