At least 33 miners have died in a suspected carbon monoxide leak at a lead and zinc mine in central Nigeria’s Plateau state, according to local witnesses.
The incident is believed to have occurred shortly before sunrise at a mining site near the town of Wase, operated by Solid Unity Nigeria Ltd. Toxic gas is thought to have accumulated in poorly ventilated underground tunnels, causing workers to collapse near the end of their night shift.
Victims discovered by morning shift
The miners were reportedly found by colleagues arriving for the morning shift. More than 20 others were rescued and taken to hospital in Wase for treatment.
One miner, Safiyanu Haruna, said the workers had just completed early morning prayers before returning underground. He alleged that carbon monoxide leakage, not an explosion, caused the deaths.
Plateau state authorities stated in a preliminary report that 33 miners were killed in what they described as a blast. However, workers at the site disputed this account, insisting that toxic gas buildup was responsible.
Investigation under way
Security personnel have sealed off the mine as investigations begin. The site lies around 200 km south-east of Jos, the state capital.
Response efforts were reportedly delayed due to security concerns, as armed criminal groups have been active in parts of the region in recent years.
The victims, believed to be men aged between 20 and 40, were buried in accordance with local customs, reflecting the predominantly Muslim community in the area.
Mining accidents remain a recurring concern in Nigeria, often linked to poor safety standards and inadequate regulation. The latest tragedy is likely to intensify calls for stricter enforcement and improved worker protections across the sector.