Tragedy struck Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State yesterday as 33 miners were killed and 25 others hospitalised following a deadly carbon monoxide leak at a mining site.
Eyewitnesses said the miners, mostly aged between 20 and 35, collapsed suddenly while performing routine underground operations at the Kampani Zurak mine, operated by Solid Uni Nig Ltd. Survivors were rushed to nearby hospitals, with several reported in critical condition.
Haruna Safiyanu, a miner at the site, told reporters, “The gas built up in the poorly ventilated tunnels. One moment, everyone was working, the next moment people started collapsing.”
Rescue teams, alongside mining personnel, cordoned off the tunnels and evacuated survivors for urgent medical attention.
Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, confirmed the tragedy, attributing it to a suspected gas leak.
She said, “We have received reports of a tragic explosion at the mining tunnel. Sadly, 33 lives were lost, and others sustained injuries. Our government is working closely with security agencies, emergency responders, and health authorities to manage the situation.”
Ramnap appealed to all relevant federal and state mining agencies to investigate the incident, enforce safety standards, and prevent future disasters.
She added, “On behalf of the Plateau State government and people, we extend heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost loved ones.”
Mining safety experts have long warned of the risks posed by poorly ventilated mines in Plateau, noting that carbon monoxide exposure remains a leading cause of underground fatalities.
This latest incident adds to Nigeria’s growing list of mining tragedies, raising urgent questions about regulatory oversight and the enforcement of safety protocols
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