Saraki calls for probe as Plateau mining death toll rises to 47
Former Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has described the mining tragedy in Kampani Zurak Community of Wase Local Government Area as a “gut punch,” following reports that the death toll has risen to 47.
Saraki, in a statement issued on Friday, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday and was reportedly caused by carbon monoxide exposure at an illegal mining site.
“The news of the mining tragedy that occurred in Kampani Zurak Community of Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State a few days ago is a gut punch,” Saraki said. “To read that the death toll has now risen to 47 is a tragedy that words can barely contain, but we must find the words, and the will, to address it.”
He said the victims were men who had gone out to earn a living for their families, only to lose their lives to what he described as a silent and preventable danger.
“Those men were fathers, sons, and brothers who woke up in the early hours of Wednesday to provide for their families, only to be lost to a silent killer in a carbon monoxide leak,” he said. “It is a heartbreaking indictment of the fragility of life and the safety gaps that still plague our extractive industries.”
The former Senate President called on the government to carry out a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the incident, stressing the need for accountability and stronger enforcement of safety regulations in the mining sector.
“I urge the government to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into what happened, with clear accountability and stronger enforcement of safety standards to ensure that such a preventable loss never occurs again,” Saraki said.
He also commended the bravery of local hunters and vigilantes who assisted during rescue efforts, describing their actions as a reflection of community resilience.
“I commend the courage of the local hunters and vigilantes who stepped in to assist. That level of community resilience is the very soul of our nation, but it should not have to be tested by such avoidable circumstances,” he added.
Saraki extended his condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Plateau State.
“My thoughts and prayers are with all affected families, the government, and the people of Plateau State,” he said.
