by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
WASE LOCAL GOVT: An incident of ‘gas explosion’ was reported to have occurred at Kampani Zurak Community of Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State at the early hours of Wednesday, at about 06:00am, resulting to gas inhalation at the mining site.
Casualty figures from the incident were given as about thirty-seven (37) persons, who suffocated to death, while twenty-six others hospitalized.
”The Plateau State Government has received with sadness reports of a Carbon Dioxide explosion at a mining site, located in Kampani Zurak, Wase Local Government Area, owned by Solid Unit Nig. Ltd.”
Speaking on behalf of the State Government, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, Commissioner for Information and Communication, said, preliminary reports indicate that the tragic incident occurred within a tunnel at the mining site, resulting in the loss of lives, while several other individuals sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at nearby hospitals.
According to her, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has expressed profound grief over this unfortunate incident and extends condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones.
“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,” she said.
“He also wishes the injured a speedy and full recovery, and assures them of the Government’s support during their treatment and recuperation.
“While, in line with the unfortunate occurrence, Plateau State Government is calling for calm among residents of the affected community, and urges members of the public to avoid spreading unverified information that could heighten tension.”
He assured that, relevant security and emergency response agencies have been mobilized to manage the situation and maintain order.
According to him, to further ensure safety in mining activities, he calls for immediate reinforcement of safety protocols in mining operations across the state.
“This tragic occurrence underscores the urgent need for strict compliance with established safety standards and environmental regulations in all mining activities.”
Governor Mutfwang assures that the State Government will collaborate closely with relevant federal authorities, regulatory agencies, mining operators, host communities, and other critical stakeholders to ensure that comprehensive safety measures are implemented and enforced, while necessary investigations will be conducted to ascertain the immediate and remote causes of the explosion with a view to preventing future occurrences.
The Plateau State Government remains committed to safeguarding the lives and welfare of its citizens, while promoting responsible and safe mining practices across the state.
*POLICE PRESS RELEASE*
“SUSPECTED GAS EXPOSURE AT MINING SITE IN ZURAK COMMUNITY: CP BASSEY DEPLO”
Meanwhile, the Plateau State Police Command has expressed sadness over the incident that occurred in Kampani Zurak Community of Wase Local Government Area of the State in the early hours Wednesday, at about 06:00am, where Thirty-Seven (37) people were suffocated to death and Twenty-Six others hospitalized as a result of gas inhalation.
The Command says, 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 Bashar and Wase Divisions to immediately mobilize and lead a team of detectives to the scene of the incident.
While on reaching the scene, the area was cordoned, while other rescue operations are ongoing.
According to the CP Ewah, preliminary investigation revealed that the miners were affected due to a sudden discharge of Lead Oxide and other associated gases like Sulfphur and Carbon Monoxide, which are toxic and poisonous to humans, particularly in a confined or poorly-ventilated environment.
He said, the corpses of the deceased victims have been released to their families for burial, according to their religious practices.
As an additional measure, he said, to douse tension and prevent future occurrence of such ugly incidence, an additional measure has been taken and has deployed the Assistant Commissioners of Police in-charge Operations (DOPS), and the State CID, who are currently at the scene, to assess the situation.
He has also deployed the Command’,s Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Unit also known as the “Anti Bomb Squad,” who are currently conducting an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the explosion and put modalities in place to stop future occurrence.
However, samples of rock, soil, and minerals were collected for further analysis and investigation. Meanwhile, there was no sign of explosion, nor any explosive component at the scene.
CP Bassey Ewah has extended his sincere condolence 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 the lives and property of Plateau citizens.
He advised Plateau citizens to report any suspicious activities within their environment to the nearest Police Station, any nearby security agency, or contact the Command’s Control Room Emergency through their numbers.