KEY POINTS

• 37 miners are feared dead after suspected toxic gas exposure at a mining site in Wase, Plateau State.

• Survivors were hospitalised while the army sealed off the area to prevent further casualties.

• Residents are demanding a full investigation and stricter safety regulation of mining operations.

37 miners are feared dead whilst 25 are currently hospitalised after a suspected toxic gas exposure at a mining site in Company Zurak, located in Plateau State.

The incident occurred in Wase Local Government Area and has intensified concerns about safety standards in informal and company-linked mining operations across rural communities.

Local youth leader Shafi Sambo said he received an early morning call alerting him to the disaster because of his leadership position in the area. According to him, miners had dug deep underground before encountering a dangerous gas that reportedly killed 37 workers instantly. Authorities have not yet confirmed the casualty figure.

Sambo stated that several miners were rescued alive and taken to nearby medical facilities for urgent treatment. However, the total number of survivors remains unclear as emergency response efforts continue and officials attempt to verify details.

He added that the workers were reportedly mining zinc for a company believed to be Chinese-owned and operating within the community. The exact mineral being extracted at the time of the incident has not been officially verified.

Security forces seal off site

Following reports of the leak, troops from the Nigerian Army were deployed to the area. Soldiers cordoned off the mining location to prevent further exposure to potential toxins and to restrict access while investigations begin.

The youth leader said the military presence is intended both to protect residents and to stop additional casualties. The containment also allows authorities to assess environmental risks and determine whether lingering gas concentrations pose further danger.

Attempts to obtain official reactions from state authorities were unsuccessful at the time of reporting. Calls placed to the Plateau State Commissioner for Environment, Peter Gwom, and the local government chairman, Hamisu Anani, were not answered.

The incident has renewed public concern over unregulated mining activities, especially in remote areas where enforcement of safety rules, environmental monitoring, and emergency preparedness is often weak. Residents are urging the Plateau State Government and federal regulators to investigate the cause of the suspected gas leak, hold responsible parties accountable, and enforce stricter safety standards to prevent similar tragedies.

Mining accidents in Nigeria’s rural regions have become a recurring issue, frequently linked to poor ventilation, lack of protective equipment, and minimal regulatory oversight. Analysts warn that unless stronger monitoring systems and enforcement mechanisms are introduced, such incidents may continue to threaten lives and local environments.