10-Year-Old Killed in Abuja Quarry Blast; NESREA Acts

On February 27, 2026, a tragic incident occurred in Aco Village, Abuja, where a 10-year-old boy was killed due to a quarry blast. In response, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) promptly sealed the facility and began a preliminary investigation in collaboration with the Nigeria Police.

Nwamaka Ejiofor, Assistant Director of Press at NESREA, confirmed the incident and stated that the agency had received information immediately after the blast. Mr. Elijah Udofia, Director of Environmental Quality Control, revealed that the quarry had previously been sealed for regulatory infractions but continued operations despite warnings.

Preliminary findings indicated that the company failed to provide necessary documentation for blast operations and violated regulations regarding explosive load density. NESREA expressed concern over the quarry's faulty alarm system, which failed to alert residents prior to the blast.

The agency assured the public that the investigation is ongoing and that those responsible will be held accountable.