Former Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has condemned the death of nearly 40 persons in Kampani Zurak mines in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State last Wednesday.

He said the deaths at the site, where several others are still missing, could have been prevented if security agencies maintained the tempo initiated by his office as minister in 2017.

In a statement, the Plateau State Government said a blast killed 33 persons at the lead and zinc mine but workers disputed the claim, maintaining that 37 miners were killed by suspected carbon-monoxide leak.

The Federal Government has ordered closure of the mine while investigations are underway.

In a statement on Sunday, Fayemi, who served as minister from 2015 to 2018, recalled visiting the mine in 2017 alongside then National Security Adviser (NSA), Babagana Monguno, following series of complaints from the community.

He said the Chinese operators were arrested and the owner was declared wanted and eventually apprehended but was curiously released after he left office.

Fayemi said, “I feel pained to learn of the deaths of about 40 people, with several others injured and still missing, at the Kampani Zurak mines in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State. What makes this even more painful is that it was entirely preventable.

“As Minister of Mines, I visited the Mines with the NSA and Governor following numerous complaints from the community. 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. He was eventually apprehended and brought to book by the National Security Adviser but was released after I left office.

“My preliminary discussions with officials of the Ministry, as well as with the former Deputy Speaker and Wase representative in the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Idris Wase, indicate that this tragedy occurred at the same mine. It could have been avoided if the security agencies had sustained the action taken by the Ministry in 2017.”

Fayemi expressed condolences to the families of the deceased.

“Government must now take firm and decisive action against operators who violate the law and environmental regulations, regardless of whose interests are affected.

“Mining activities must not be conducted to the detriment of host communities,” the ex-Ekiti governor added. (The Sun)