A deadly incident at a mining site in Kampani Zurak, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, has claimed at least 37 lives, with reports suggesting the toll may have reached 38, while 26 others were hospitalized.

The victims—mostly young artisanal miners aged between 20 and 40—died after exposure to lethal toxic gases in a poorly ventilated underground pit.

Medical experts, environmental specialists, and police investigations have confirmed acute poisoning rather than an explosion as initially suggested.

Experts, including Muhammad Abdullahi of the Anthony Nyong Climate Centre of Excellence at the University of Jos and environmental advocate Philip Jakpor, identified carbon monoxide as the primary cause of death, with additional traces of sulphur dioxide and lead oxide detected in the confined space.

Survivors reported symptoms consistent with carbon monoxide poisoning, including headaches, dizziness, breathing difficulties, chest pain, and fatigue.

As an odorless and colorless gas, carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin, blocking oxygen delivery to vital organs and leading to rapid organ failure. Police findings ruled out any explosion, confirming instead a sudden discharge of toxic gases.

In response, the federal government ordered the immediate closure of the site under Mining Licence 11810, operated by Solid Unity Nigeria Limited and owned by Abdullahi Dan-China. Ministers Balarabe Lawal (Environment) and Dele Alake (Solid Minerals Development) directed a full shutdown pending investigation.

Preliminary reports indicate the licensed operator had ceded the pit to local artisanal miners following community demands, with the miners reportedly unaware of the hazardous gas risks associated with residual mineral deposits.

While federal experts have been deployed, detailed safety audit plans and timelines have not yet been disclosed.

The tragedy has devastated the Kampani Zurak community, where mining provides livelihoods for hundreds.

Families mourn significant losses, with some victims leaving behind large numbers of dependents.

Community members say this was not the first fatal incident at the decades-old lead and zinc site, citing a previous occurrence in 2025.

Environmental advocates are now demanding a transparent, independent technical investigation into ventilation systems, gas monitoring protocols, and emergency response measures, stressing that carbon monoxide risks in underground mining are well documented and preventable through proper safety enforcement.