From Christiana Gokyo, Jos
Kampani Zurak Community in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State was plunged into mourning on Wednesday morning after a deadly gas exposure at a mining site claimed the lives of 37 people and left 26 others hospitalized.
The tragic incident occurred around 6:00 am at the mining site owned by Solid Unit Nig. Ltd., where workers reportedly inhaled toxic gases, leading to mass suffocation.
Speaking on behalf of the Plateau State Government, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, Commissioner for Information and Communication, confirmed the fatalities and injuries, stating that preliminary reports indicated the gas leak occurred within a tunnel at the mining site.
Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang expressed profound grief over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the families affected.
“The Government shares in the pain of the bereaved families during this difficult time and prays that God grants them the strength and comfort to bear this irreparable loss,” the governor said.
Governor Mutfwang also wished the injured a speedy recovery and assured them of government support during treatment and recuperation. He called on residents of Kampani Zurak and surrounding communities to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information that could heighten tension.
The state government has mobilized relevant security and emergency response agencies to manage the situation and maintain order. Governor Mutfwang further emphasized the urgent need to reinforce safety protocols in all mining operations across Plateau State to prevent future tragedies.
“Strict compliance with established safety standards and environmental regulations is essential in all mining activities,” he said, adding that investigations will be conducted to ascertain the immediate and remote causes of the incident.
The Plateau State Police Command confirmed the incident and reported immediate response measures led by Commissioner of Police, CP Bassey Ewah.
CP Ewah said the Area Commander Langtang, the Commander of 66PMF Shendam, and the Divisional Police Officers in Bashar and Wase were promptly deployed to the scene. The area was cordoned off, and rescue operations are ongoing.
Preliminary investigations suggest that miners were exposed to Lead Oxide and associated gases, including Sulfur and Carbon Monoxide, which are highly toxic, particularly in confined spaces with poor ventilation.
The corpses of the deceased have been released to families for burial according to their religious practices. Additional measures include the deployment of Assistant Commissioners in charge of Operations and the State CID, along with the Command’s Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Unit, to conduct a thorough investigation.
“Samples of rock, soil, and minerals were collected for further analysis,” CP Ewah stated, noting that there was no sign of an explosion or explosive components at the scene.
He extended condolences to the victims’ families and residents of Kampani Zurak, warning against engaging in illegal mining activities and urging citizens to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or security agency.
