At least 37 people lost their lives and 26 others were admitted to hospital after a toxic gas leak occurred at a mining site in north-central Nigeria, prompting authorities to shut down operations and launch an investigation into the incident. Police confirmed that the tragedy unfolded in the early hours of Tuesday in the Kampani Zurak community of Plateau state’s Wase area.
According to police spokesperson Alfred Alabo, preliminary findings indicate that the miners were exposed to a sudden release of hazardous gases, including lead oxide along with sulphur and carbon monoxide. These substances are highly toxic, particularly in enclosed or poorly ventilated environments, and are capable of causing severe poisoning within a short period. Officials stated that the victims were likely unaware of the danger posed by the emissions and continued working as the gases spread through the site.
Authorities said the bodies of those who died have been handed over to their families to allow burial in accordance with local religious customs. Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has ordered the immediate closure of the mine as investigators work to determine the exact cause of the leak and assess whether safety regulations were followed.
Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, noted that miners appeared to have continued operations without recognising the toxic nature of the gases being released. Officials are also examining whether the mining activity was authorised, as illegal mining operations — particularly involving gold — have been a persistent challenge in the country and have previously resulted in numerous fatalities.
The incident has renewed concerns about safety standards, environmental monitoring and regulatory enforcement within Nigeria’s mining sector, where unregulated or poorly supervised operations have repeatedly exposed workers and nearby communities to significant risks.
