NESREA Shuts Abuja Quarry After Deadly Blast Injures Students!

NESREA Shuts Abuja Quarry After Deadly Blast Injures Students!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has shut down the stone‑quarry site operated by Istanbul Quarry (Cornerstone) in Dutse, Abuja, following a catastrophic explosion that injured students and staff at a nearby school. [1]

“What happened is life‑threatening,” said NESREA’s Deputy Director (Conservation Monitoring) as the agency ordered an immediate shutdown, citing violations of quarrying regulations. [2]

What Happened

• The blast occurred around 12:30 PM on Wednesday, while students of Graceland High School were writing examinations in their classrooms. [2]
• The explosion sent rocks flying — damaging school buildings, nearby shops, and injuring 11 students and 2 staff members. [2]
• The damaged facility failed to adhere to safety protocols under the National Environmental (Quarrying and Blasting Operations) Regulations 2013, triggering the shutdown. [2] Why It Matters
• The incident exposed the grave risks of allowing industrial blasting operations near schools and residential zones.
• It underscores longstanding concerns raised by communities and watchdogs about quarry safety, environmental compliance, and public health in the Federal Capital Territory. [3]
• The swift action by NESREA signals a shift toward stricter enforcement of environmental and safety regulations on quarry operations.

What to Watch

• The final outcome of NESREA’s ongoing investigation and the sanctions to be imposed on the quarry operators. [1]
• Whether affected families and the school community receive compensation for injuries, damages, and trauma.
• Broader regulatory reforms to prevent quarry‑based hazards near schools and communities across Nigeria. Citations:

1. Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/11/fg-shuts-quarry-after-deadly-blast-rocks-school-injures-pupils/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. The Whistler Newspaper: thewhistler.ng/nesrea-shuts-abuja-quarry-after-unsafe-blast-injures-11-students/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. Premium Times Nigeria: www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/808253-abuja-estate-residents-protest-unregulated-blasting-at-chinese-company-quarry.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

editor

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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