The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed that 37 people died and 26 others were hospitalised after a gas exposure incident at a mining site in Zurak community, Wase Local Government Area.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Bassey Ewah, disclosed this on Wednesday night in a statement signed by the command’s spokesman, Alabo Alfred.
According to the commissioner, the incident occurred around 6:00 a.m. on February 18, 2026, due to a sudden discharge of toxic gases, including lead oxide, sulphur, and carbon monoxide, in a poorly ventilated environment.
He said the police have deployed tactical teams, including the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, to assess the situation and investigate the cause. Samples of rock, soil, and minerals were collected for analysis.
Ewah warned residents to stop engaging in illegal mining activities and assured the public of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
The statement read, “The Plateau State Police Command is saddened by the incident that occurred in Kampani Zurak Community of Wase Local Government Area of the state in the early hours of today, the 18th of February, 2026, at about 06:00 a.m., where thirty-seven (37) people were suffocated to death and twenty-six others hospitalised as a result of gas inhalation.
“Upon receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, CP Bassey Ewah, immediately directed the Area Commander Langtang, the Commander 66PMF Shendam, and the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in charge of Bashar and Wase Divisions to mobilise and lead a team of detectives to the scene of the incident. On reaching the scene, the area was cordoned off while rescue operations continued.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the miners were affected due to a sudden discharge of lead oxide and other associated gases, including sulphur and carbon monoxide, which are toxic and poisonous to humans, particularly in confined or poorly ventilated environments. The corpses of the deceased have been released to their families for burial according to their religious practices.
“As an additional measure to douse tension and prevent future occurrences of such incidents, the Commissioner of Police has deployed the Assistant Commissioners of Police in charge of Operations (DOPS) and the State CID, who are currently at the scene to assess the situation.
“He has also deployed the command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, also known as the ‘Anti-Bomb Squad,’ which is currently conducting an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the incident and implement measures to prevent future occurrences. Samples of rock, soil, and minerals were collected for further analysis. Meanwhile, there was no sign of explosion, nor any explosive component at the scene.
“CP Bassey Ewah hereby extends his sincere condolences to the families of the deceased, the people of Kampani Zurak Community, and the entire people of Plateau State. He further warns all Plateau residents to stop engaging in illegal mining activities and assures them of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
“Plateau citizens are advised to report any suspicious activities within their environment to the nearest police station, any nearby security agency, or contact our control room emergency lines: 07059473022, 08038907662, 08075391844.”
The statement added that corpses had been released to families for burial and urged citizens to report suspicious activities to the nearest station or emergency contacts.
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