By Faith Chondol
Atleast 37 miners have been confirmed dead following a suspected carbon monoxide and toxic gas exposure at a mining site in Kampani Zurak, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State Nigeria.
The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, February 18, 2026, at about 6:00 a.m., while miners were carrying out excavation activities inside underground shafts believed to be operated by Solid Unit Nigeria Limited.
Sources earlier said toxic fumes allegedly accumulated within the tunnels due to inadequate ventilation, spreading rapidly through the confined spaces. Several miners were said to have collapsed while attempting to escape.
However, in an official statement, the Plateau State Police Command confirmed that 37 persons were suffocated to death, while 26 others were hospitalised as a result of gas inhalation.
The Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah, upon receiving the report, directed the Area Commander, Langtang; the Commander, 66 Police Mobile Force (PMF) Shendam; and the Divisional Police Officers in charge of Bashar and Wase Divisions to immediately mobilise to the scene.
According to the police, the area was cordoned off on arrival while rescue operations were carried out.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the miners were affected by a sudden discharge of lead oxide and other associated gases, including sulphur and carbon monoxide, which are highly toxic, particularly in confined or poorly ventilated environments.
The police further disclosed that the corpses of the deceased victims have been released to their families for burial in accordance with their religious practices.
To prevent further tension and ensure a thorough investigation, the Commissioner of Police also deployed the Assistant Commissioners of Police in charge of Operations (DOPS) and the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to assess the situation.
The Command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, also known as the Anti-Bomb Squad, was equally deployed to ascertain the exact cause of the incident. However, the police clarified that there was no sign of any explosion or explosive component at the scene.
Samples of rock, soil, and mineral substances were collected for further forensic analysis.
CP Bassey Ewah extended his condolences to the families of the deceased, the people of Kampani Zurak Community, and residents of Plateau State. He warned against illegal mining activities and assured citizens of the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
Meanwhile, the Plateau State Government expressed deep shock over the incident and extended sympathies to the affected families.
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has reportedly directed the immediate shutdown of mining activities in the affected area pending further investigations.
A team of experts from the Federal Ministry of Environment is expected to arrive in Wase from Abuja to conduct an assessment.
The incident has once again raised concerns about safety standards in Nigeria’s informal and semi-formal mining sector. Identification of the deceased is ongoing, while further official updates are expected.
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