NESREA has shut down the Cornerstone/Istanbul Quarry in Dutse, Abuja after flying rocks from a blasting operation injured 11 students and two staff of Graceland High School and damaged surrounding properties.
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency has sealed the Cornerstone quarry operated by Istanbul Quarry in Dutse, Abuja, after a blasting incident sent flying rocks into Graceland High School, injuring 11 students and two staff during exams and damaging school buildings and nearby shops.
According to NESREA’s Assistant Director (Press), Nwamaka Ejiofor, the shutdown followed findings that the operation violated the National Environmental (Quarrying and Blasting Operations) Regulations 2013, with Deputy Director Glory Uboh stating, “What happened is life-threatening; that was why we had to move in immediately to seal the facility.” She added that the quarry “will be sanctioned because our preliminary investigation shows a contradiction to Quarry operating procedure and regulations,” noting that further investigations are ongoing.