A tragic mine disaster in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria, has claimed the lives of at least 33, and potentially up to 37 or more, miners due to a suspected carbon-monoxide or toxic gas leak. The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, or just before sunrise on Wednesday, near Zuraq, at an abandoned lead site operated by Solid Unity Nigeria Limited (also referred to as Solid Unit Nigeria Limited, owned by Abdullahi Dan-China), specifically within the area covered by Mining Licence 11810.

Witnesses reported that the tragedy unfolded when toxic gas, believed to be sulphuric oxide emissions from the stored mineral, built up in poorly ventilated underground tunnels. Miners, primarily men aged between 20 and 40, had just returned underground after early morning prayers to complete their night shift when they collapsed. Those arriving for the morning shift discovered the bodies, alerting the community and authorities to the catastrophe. It was gathered that the company had reportedly ceded this pit to the community for mining activities following local agitations for empowerment, with villagers reportedly unaware of the poisonous nature of the gaseous emissions.

Response efforts were immediate, with over 20 miners rescued and rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment, and approximately 25 others hospitalized. Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, the Media Information Officer of Operation Enduring Peace, confirmed that troops swiftly mobilized to the scene, assisting other security agencies in cordoning off the area and evacuating victims. The mine site has since been sealed off to prevent further access and reduce the risk of additional exposure to the suspected toxic fumes, though security concerns due to the activity of armed criminal gangs in the area have complicated operations.

In response to the devastating loss, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, ordered the immediate closure of the areas covered by Mining Licence 11810. During a condolence call to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Minister Alake expressed deep sorrow and solidarity with the people of Wase. He has dispatched a comprehensive team of officials and investigators, led by Permanent Secretary Yusuf Yabo, to probe the remote and immediate causes of the incident and to recommend sanctions. This team includes experts in mining, environmental compliance, and artisanal cooperatives, with the Minister personally coordinating the support services to ensure effective management of the situation.

The tragedy has intensified public concern over the safety of both artisanal and company-backed mining operations in Plateau State and across Nigeria, where mining accidents are tragically frequent due to inadequate ventilation, emergency preparedness, and regulatory oversight. Local leaders and community members are calling for a thorough investigation, accountability for any negligence, and stricter enforcement of safety standards to prevent future loss of lives. The victims were buried in accordance with local tradition, leaving the primarily Muslim community in Wase devastated by the irreparable loss.