A devastating mining tragedy has claimed 37 lives at the Kampani Zurak mining site in Bashar district of Wase Local Government Area, Plateau State, according to official statements from the Plateau State Police Command, the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, and the Plateau State Government.
Incident Overview
The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, February 18, 2026, during peak morning operations at the site. While initial local reports indicated 38 fatalities, police authorities officially confirmed 37 deaths. An additional 26 individuals were hospitalized due to toxic gas exposure and respiratory complications.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the victims died from suffocation and inhalation of toxic gases following a sudden discharge inside a poorly ventilated underground tunnel. Authorities identified carbon monoxide, lead oxide, and sulfur gases as the primary toxic agents involved.
Officials stated that the mining pit, located in a historically active lead mining zone, was particularly vulnerable to hazardous gas accumulation due to inadequate ventilation systems.
Immediate Government Response
Federal and state authorities have moved swiftly to secure the area and launch a formal investigation.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, ordered the immediate closure of the mine under Mining Licence 11810. A high-level investigative panel has been constituted to determine the precise cause of the disaster and recommend sanctions where appropriate.
Commissioner of Police CP Bassey Ewah confirmed that the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit and tactical teams were deployed to cordon off the site and collect soil and mineral samples for forensic examination.
Plateau State Commissioner for Information Joyce Ramnap expressed “deep shock” over the tragedy and assured the public that the state government is providing medical support to injured survivors receiving treatment at nearby hospitals.
Ownership and Operational Concerns
The site is operated by Solid Unit Nigeria Limited. Preliminary reports suggest the company had allowed members of the local community to conduct artisanal mining activities in response to demands for greater economic participation.
Experts warn that abandoned or semi-active mines are highly susceptible to toxic gas buildup, particularly in poorly ventilated tunnels. Sulfur-based compounds and carbon monoxide can accumulate rapidly and remain undetected until exposure occurs.
Victim Demographics
Authorities disclosed that most of the victims were young men between the ages of 20 and 35, working at the site in pursuit of livelihood opportunities.
The tragedy has once again highlighted the persistent risks associated with informal and artisanal mining in Nigeria, particularly in historically active mining regions.
Public Safety Warning
The Plateau State Police Command issued a strong advisory urging residents to refrain from illegal or artisanal mining activities, especially in abandoned or unventilated pits, emphasizing that underground gas pockets pose extreme and often invisible dangers.
Investigations remain ongoing, and further updates are expected upon completion of the federal inquiry.
