The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has sealed the Cornerstone quarry in Dutse, Abuja, following an incident in which flying rocks from an explosive blast injured students and staff at Graceland High School.

According to NESREA, the blast—conducted by Istanbul Quarry, which manages the site—sent debris into classrooms on Wednesday around 12:30 p.m., disrupting examinations and causing life-threatening injuries. Eleven students and two staff members sustained injuries, while nearby shops were also damaged.

Assistant Director (Press), Nwamaka Ejiofor, confirmed the extent of the incident, emphasizing the danger to school children and the surrounding community.

The agency’s Deputy Director of Conservation Monitoring, Glory Uboh, explained that the quarry’s operations violated the National Environmental (Quarrying and Blasting Operations) Regulations 2013, justifying the immediate shutdown. She added that further investigation is ongoing and that sanctions would be enforced fully.

NESREA highlighted that poorly regulated quarry blasting poses severe risks in urban and peri-urban areas, especially where schools, homes, and businesses are nearby. The agency called for strict adherence to environmental and safety standards to protect lives and property.