No fewer than 37 people have lost their lives following a suspected toxic gas leak at a mining site in north-central Nigeria, while 26 others are currently receiving medical treatment, police authorities have confirmed.
The incident happened in the early hours of Tuesday in Kampani Zurak community in the Wase area of Plateau State. According to police spokesperson Alfred Alabo, preliminary findings indicate that the miners were exposed to a sudden release of hazardous gases.
Investigations suggest the emission included lead oxide, along with sulphur and carbon monoxide, substances known to be highly dangerous, especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces. Authorities said the bodies of the deceased have been handed over to their families for burial in line with religious customs.
The Federal Government has since ordered the immediate closure of the mining site, while a full-scale investigation is underway to determine the cause of the leak and possible lapses in safety compliance.
Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, stated that the affected miners were unaware of the toxic nature of the emissions and continued working before the tragedy unfolded.
Officials have not yet disclosed the specific mineral being extracted at the site, nor confirmed whether the operation was legally licensed. The development comes amid ongoing government efforts to clamp down on illegal mining activities, particularly unregulated gold mining, which has resulted in multiple fatalities across the country in recent years.
Authorities say further updates will be provided as investigations progress.
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