MAIDUGURI, Nigeria, Feb 18 (Reuters) – At least 37 miners died of carbon monoxide poisoning at a mining site in Nigeria’s Plateau state, a police source and a security report seen by Reuters said on Wednesday.
The incident occurred at about 5:45 a.m. at a mining pit in Kampani, a community in the Wase area, according to a report. Another 25 miners were taken to hospital.
Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, said the area was an abandoned lead site with deposited minerals prone to release of toxic gases. Villagers, unaware of the toxic nature of the emissions, reportedly entered the tunnel to extract minerals and inhale the gas, he said.
Alake ordered the closure of mining areas covered by license 11810 operated by Solid Unit Nigeria Limited and owned by Abdullahi Dan‑China in Zuraq following the death of villagers who were allegedly mining in a pit containing dangerous gases.
Preliminary findings showed that the victims, aged between 20 and 35, died after inhaling gas while working underground, the security report said.
The Plateau State government said many were feared dead, without giving a number, adding that others were being treated at nearby hospitals.
Security forces sealed off the site to prevent further access.
Most mines in Nigeria operate illegally, with limited safety measures and miners often lacking protective equipment.
The Federal Government has ordered an immediate halt to all mining activities in the affected area pending further investigation.
(Additional reporting by Camillus Eboh in Abuja, writing by Chijioke Ohuocha; Editing by Jon Boyle, Ros Russell and Chizu Nomiyama)