Flying Rocks From Abuja Quarry Injure Students, NESREA Seals Site

Eleven students and two staff members of Graceland High School were injured on Wednesday after rocks from a blasting operation at a nearby quarry struck the school, prompting the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to shut down the site.

The incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. in Dutse, Abuja, when students were in their classrooms writing exams. According to NESREA, a sudden and powerful blast from Cornerstone Quarry, operated by Istanbul Quarry, sent rocks flying into the school buildings, causing serious injuries and damaging school property. Nearby shops also sustained damage from the debris.

In a statement on Thursday via the agency’s official X account, NESREA’s Deputy Director of Conservation Monitoring, Glory Uboh, emphasized that the quarry’s operations violated established safety regulations.

“What happened is life threatening, which is why we had to move in immediately to seal the facility. Preliminary investigations show that the blasting operation was contrary to approved quarry procedures and regulations,” Uboh said.

NESREA confirmed that Cornerstone Quarry will face sanctions in accordance with the National Environmental (Quarrying and Blasting Operations) Regulations 2013. The agency also stated that further investigations are ongoing to ensure full compliance and accountability.