At least 38 miners have died following a suspected carbon monoxide leak at a lead and zinc mining site in Plateau State, in one of Nigeria’s deadliest mining incidents in recent years.
The tragedy occurred just before dawn at a site in the Zurak community of Wase Local Government Area, operated by Solid Unity Nigeria Ltd, according to local witnesses cited by the BBC. Toxic gas is believed to have accumulated in poorly ventilated underground tunnels during night operations, causing workers to collapse near the end of their shift.
Safiyanu Haruna, a miner who discovered the bodies when he arrived for work, told the BBC the incident happened at about 06:30 local time (05:30 GMT).
“It was carbon-monoxide gas that leaked and killed them,” Haruna said, disputing initial suggestions of a blast. “There was no rescue for them at the time because those who were coming for the morning shift had yet to arrive.”
He added: “It is sad to lose 37 miners who were struggling to make ends meet. We’re disturbed by the incident.”
While some reports put the death toll at 37, local officials cited by Xinhua said at least 38 people were killed and many others injured. Preliminary accounts indicated that toxic gases, believed to be carbon monoxide, built up underground and triggered a deadly incident during peak operations.
Aliyu Adamu Idris, the acting district head, described the scene as “catastrophic.”
“It is a dark day for our community. We have lost 38 of our energetic youths to this tragedy, leaving many families in mourning,” Idris said, according to Xinhua.
Young Victims
Most of the victims were said to be young men aged between 20 and 40. In keeping with local Muslim traditions, they were buried shortly after the incident, according to residents cited by the BBC.
Shafi Sambo, the Wase youth leader, told Channels Television he received an early-morning call alerting him to the disaster.
“It happened at a mining site in Company Zurak, Wase Local Government. We got information that the miners dug deep into the ground and were exposed to a gas that killed 37 of them instantly,” Sambo said in a phone interview.
He added that several others were rescued and taken to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention, though the exact number of survivors remains unclear. Local media, citing medical sources, reported that about 27 people are receiving treatment for severe respiratory distress.
Security forces have since sealed off the site. Alfred Alabo, police spokesperson in Plateau State, said personnel were deployed to cordon off the area while investigations continue. Sambo confirmed that troops of the Nigerian Army had restricted access “to stop people from having access and also to stop the spread.”
Plateau State officials have yet to provide a comprehensive public briefing. Earlier statements referenced a blast, though workers on the ground insist toxic gas exposure was the cause.
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