At least 37 people have died and many more were injured after inhaling toxic gases at a mining site in north-central Nigeria, authorities confirmed on Thursday, intensifying concerns about safety in the country’s informal mining sector. The fatalities occurred early Tuesday morning in a mine in the Kampani Zurak community within Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, officials said, and dozens of other people were rushed to nearby hospitals with severe symptoms of gas poisoning.
Preliminary assessments by police and security services suggest that the miners succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning after entering poorly ventilated underground tunnels where residual chemical gases had accumulated. Witnesses and local authorities said the victims, mainly young villagers between the ages of 20 and 35, entered the abandoned pit around 5:45 a.m., unaware of the lingering toxic fumes emanating from stored minerals left in the excavations.
Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, confirmed that the site was a dormant lead and zinc mine and noted that toxic gases such as carbon monoxide and sulphuric oxide can be released when mineral deposits decompose or react with air in confined spaces. The miners reportedly were engaged in artisanal extraction, a common practice in rural communities facing economic hardship, where individuals work informally in and around disused pits to collect minerals for sale.
Following the disaster, the federal government swiftly ordered the closure of operations linked to mining licence 11810, which is held by Solid Unit Nigeria Limited and is believed to cover the site in question. Security forces have sealed off the area to prevent further entry as investigators begin a detailed probe into the causes of the incident, including whether safety protocols were observed or whether illegal mining activity was present.
Officials said that at least 25 people injured in the incident remain under medical care, some in critical condition, while others are being treated for symptoms associated with prolonged exposure to toxic gas. Families in the affected community have begun burial rites for the dead, with many locals expressing sorrow and anger over what they describe as a preventable tragedy.
The incident has brought renewed attention to the dangers of informal and poorly regulated mining across Nigeria. Many rural areas depend on artisanal mining as a source of income, but operations often lack proper oversight, safety equipment, or adequate ventilation systems, making them hazardous for those involved. Experts have repeatedly warned that abandoned pits can accumulate harmful gases over time, posing a threat to anyone who enters without protective gear or adequate knowledge of the risks.
Plateau State, historically known for its rich mineral deposits and longstanding mining activity, has seen periodic accidents related to informal mining. Local officials and community leaders have urged the federal government to strengthen enforcement of safety regulations and to provide training and resources to help formalise artisanal mining in ways that protect workers.
As the federal investigation continues, authorities have pledged to hold accountable those responsible for ensuring safe practices and to implement measures aimed at preventing similar losses in the future. At the same time, families of the victims are calling for support and compensation as they grapple with the sudden loss of breadwinners and the broader social impact of the tragedy.
