At least 33 miners lost their lives in a suspected carbon-monoxide poisoning incident at an underground lead and zinc mine in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, central Nigeria, witnesses said.
The tragedy unfolded just before sunrise on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at a mine operated by Solid Unity Nigeria Ltd, located outside Wase town.
Poorly ventilated tunnels are believed to have allowed toxic gas to build up overnight during the night shift, causing the workers to collapse shortly before the end of their duties.
The bodies were discovered by colleagues arriving for the morning shift. More than 20 other miners were rescued alive and taken to hospital for urgent treatment.
Security agencies have sealed off the site—approximately 200 km (124 miles) southeast of Jos, the state capital—as investigations commence to determine the exact cause of the leak.
State government officials are yet to visit the scene, and emergency response has reportedly been hampered by persistent security challenges in the area, where armed criminal gangs (locally known as bandits) remain active.
Miner Safiyanu Haruna, who was among those who arrived for the day shift and found the bodies, said the incident occurred around 06:30 local time (05:30 GMT).
He explained that the affected workers had just finished performing Fajr (early morning Muslim prayers) and returned underground to complete their shift when the gas overwhelmed them.
Haruna put the death toll at 37 from carbon-monoxide poisoning, contradicting the Plateau State government’s initial statement that 33 miners died in a blast.
“There was no rescue for them at the time because those who were coming for the morning shift had yet to arrive,” he said.
“It is sad to lose 37 miners who were struggling to make ends meet. We’re disturbed by the incident.”
The victims—primarily men aged 20 to 40—were buried the same day in accordance with Islamic rites, another local resident confirmed.
The disaster has left the mainly Muslim community in Wase in deep mourning.
Mining accidents are unfortunately common in Nigeria, frequently linked to substandard safety practices, inadequate ventilation, lack of proper equipment, and weak regulation of both formal and artisanal operations.
Less than two years ago, dozens of gold miners perished in a similar underground tragedy in neighbouring Niger State after heavy rainfall weakened the soil and caused a pit collapse.
The latest loss of life is expected to intensify longstanding demands for comprehensive reform of safety standards, stricter enforcement, regular inspections, and improved working conditions across Nigeria’s mining sector.
