A suspected carbon monoxide leak has claimed the lives of 37 miners at a mining site in Zurak, located in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, leaving dozens of families in mourning and raising fresh concerns about safety standards in underground operations.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at a facility identified as Solid Mining Company. According to local sources, the victims — mostly young men between the ages of 20 and 35 — were carrying out routine excavation work deep underground when toxic gas is believed to have accumulated inside poorly ventilated tunnels.
Eyewitnesses described a frantic rescue effort as miners began collapsing inside the shafts. Co-workers reportedly rushed to pull colleagues to the surface, while emergency responders and site officials moved swiftly to evacuate survivors.
At least 25 miners were transported to a nearby primary health centre for urgent medical care. Health officials say several of the injured remain in critical condition as doctors monitor them for complications linked to gas inhalation.
Police sources confirmed that the mining site has since been secured to prevent further exposure and to preserve the area for investigation. Authorities say emergency protocols were activated immediately after the incident, and a full inquiry is underway to determine the precise cause of the suspected leak.
The tragedy has once again spotlighted long-standing safety challenges within Nigeria’s underground mining sector, where risks such as gas build-up, inadequate ventilation, and limited monitoring systems remain persistent concerns.
Regulatory agencies are expected to examine whether the company adhered to established safety guidelines, including proper ventilation measures and gas detection systems. Officials say accountability will be pursued if any breaches are identified.
Further updates, including the formal identification of the deceased and official statements from industry regulators, are anticipated as investigations continue.
Source: Africa Publicity
