The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has sealed the Cornerstone quarry in Dutse, Abuja, after flying rocks from a blasting operation injured students and staff of Graceland High School and damaged school facilities.
The incident occurred on Wednesday when Istanbul Quarry, the operator of the site, carried out an explosive blast that sent rocks crashing into the nearby school during ongoing examinations. NESREA said 11 students and two staff members sustained varying degrees of injury, while some nearby shops were also hit.
Nwamaka Ejiofor, NESREA’s Assistant Director of Press, confirmed the injuries in a statement, noting that the agency moved swiftly to shut down the facility following preliminary findings.
According to the Deputy Director of Conservation Monitoring, Glory Uboh, early investigations showed clear violations of the National Environmental (Quarrying and Blasting Operations) Regulations 2013. She described the incident as life-threatening and said the quarry would face sanctions.
“What happened is life-threatening, and that was why we moved immediately to seal the facility,” Uboh said. “Our preliminary investigation shows a clear contradiction to quarry operating procedures and regulations.”
She added that investigations are ongoing and assured that appropriate sanctions would be enforced in line with national environmental laws.
NESREA warned that poorly regulated quarry operations pose serious risks to schools, residential areas, and businesses located near mining sites, stressing the need for strict compliance with safety and environmental standards.
The agency said the incident highlights the importance of ensuring that blasting activities do not endanger lives or property in surrounding communities.
