Crime
Tragedy in Plateau: Carbon monoxide exposure claims 37 lives at Wase mining site
Tragedy in Plateau: Carbon monoxide exposure claims 37 lives at Wase mining site
By: Zagazola Makama
A tragic accident at a mining site in Zurak, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, has left 37 miners dead and 25 others hospitalized after being exposed to carbon monoxide gas while working deep underground.
Zagazola Makama learnt from sources that the incident occurred at the Solid Mining Company early on Feb. 18.
The sources said the victims, mostly young men aged between 20 and 35 years, were conducting routine mining operations when they inhaled toxic gas that had accumulated in the poorly ventilated tunnels.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with miners collapsing inside the tunnels and colleagues rushing to evacuate survivors.
Rescue teams, alongside mining site personnel, quickly cordoned off the affected area and transported 25 victims to a nearby primary health centre, where they are receiving treatment. Some of the injured are reported to be in critical condition.

Police sources confirmed that the mining site has been fully secured to prevent further exposure and to allow investigators to determine the exact circumstances that led to the gas leak. “The site is under strict control, and emergency protocols are being followed to manage the situation,” one source said.
The tragedy has draw attention to the longstanding safety challenges in the underground mining industry, particularly the risk of gas exposure in deep tunnels.
Experts note that proper ventilation, gas monitoring systems, and emergency preparedness are critical to preventing such disasters.
Authorities have pledged a thorough investigation, including assessing whether the mining company complied with existing safety standards and determining accountability. Further updates, including confirmed identities of victims and official responses from regulators, are expected.
Tragedy in Plateau: Carbon monoxide exposure claims 37 lives at Wase mining site
Crime
Tension in Mangu as Fulani Herdsmen Allege Attack by Security Forces After Gunmen Wound Two, Rustle 70 Cattle
Tension in Mangu as Fulani Herdsmen Allege Attack by Security Forces After Gunmen Wound Two, Rustle 70 Cattle
By: Zagazola Makama
Tension has been reported along the Alohom–Sabon Gari axis of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State following an attack in which two Fulani men reportedly sustained gunshot wounds, while more than 70 cattle belonging to a Fulani resident were allegedly rustled.
However, beyond the reported shooting and cattle rustling, what has raised further concern is an allegation by some Fulani residents who witnessed the incident that they were attacked by security personnel on armored vehicle and hilux.

According to an eyewitness, “When we first heard sporadic gunshots, we attempted to run away. We then noticed that they were our security personnel in black a Hilux vehicle. The vehicle quickly withdrew after firing two shots and later returned. We then saw an armoured vehicles. Some people told us to run, but I said no, believing they had come to protect us. Before we knew it, they opened fire on us, forcing us to scamper for safety.”
The allegation, which has yet to be independently verified, has added another layer of concern to an already sensitive security situation in the area, where residents continue alleged that they are being attacked by elements of the security personnel amidst the violence between farmers and herders clashes. While we saw them rustling all our cattle. The missing cattle were reportedly owned by Alhaji Yako, a Fulani resident of the area.

On two occasions, fulani leaders pointed accusing fingers at the personnel of Operation Rainbow who in collaboration with armed militia groups stormed fulani communities to dislodge them and rustle their livestock. In another leaked conversation, a councilor in Plateau was heard saying that “We now have our own security people who are helping us to clear the Fulani. So we dont even need soldiers, they should leave our land,”the councilor was heard saying in a leaked audio.
Tension in Mangu as Fulani Herdsmen Allege Attack by Security Forces After Gunmen Wound Two, Rustle 70 Cattle
Crime
Army troops Arrests Arms Fabricator, Three Suspected Gunrunners, Recovers Weapons in Plateau
Army troops Arrests Arms Fabricator, Three Suspected Gunrunners, Recovers Weapons in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested an alleged illegal arms fabricator and three suspected high-profile gunrunners during coordinated covert operations in Mangu and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation followed intelligence received by the Headquarters of OPEP on Oct. 4, indicating the activities of suspected illegal arms fabricators and gunrunners operating in the two local government areas.
Consequently, troops conducted coordinated covert operations between Oct. 7 and Oct. 11, targeting the suspected criminal networks and their operational locations.

During the operations, the troops arrested an alleged arms fabricator identified as Ayuba Sunday Abot, who was reportedly operating at Heipang in Barkin Ladi LGA.
Three other suspects identified as Tangkat Danjuma, Kopdi Appollos and Nyam Nzang were also arrested over their alleged involvement in illegal arms trafficking in Mangu and Barkin Ladi LGAs.
The operation led to the recovery of several weapons, ammunition and other items suspected to be connected with the alleged arms-trafficking activities.
Items recovered included one fabricated revolver rifle, one fabricated pistol, one fabricated AK-47 barrel and one AK-47 magazine.
The troops also recovered 42 rounds of 7.62mm × 54mm rimmed ball ammunition and some materials described in the operational report as metaphysical items.
Preliminary interrogation of the suspects reportedly indicated that they purchased ammunition at ₦3,000 per round from a security agents.
Security sources said the suspects and all recovered items had been taken to the Headquarters of Operation Enduring Peace for further investigation.
The arrests form part of ongoing security efforts to dismantle illegal arms networks and disrupt the supply of weapons and ammunition to criminal elements operating in Plateau State.
Army troops Arrests Arms Fabricator, Three Suspected Gunrunners, Recovers Weapons in Plateau
Crime
Four cows shot by Berom Militia in targeted attack Dorowa Babuje, Plateau
Four cows shot by Berom Militia in targeted attack Dorowa Babuje, Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Four cows belonging to Alhaji Isa were reportedly shot dead by Berom militia at Dorowan Babuje in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, raising fresh concerns over the safety of livestock and property in the area.
The incident is expected to be investigated by security agencies to establish what happened and identify those responsible.
Residents and relevant stakeholders have been urged to support efforts to establish the facts surrounding the incident and provide useful information to the authorities.
Four cows shot by Berom Militia in targeted attack Dorowa Babuje, Plateau
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