Fatal Carbon Monoxide Leak at Nigerian Mine
At least 33 miners have died in a suspected carbon-monoxide leak at a lead and zinc mine in central Nigeria's Plateau state, witnesses have told the BBC.
The tragedy is believed to have occurred just before sunrise at a site outside the town of Wase, operated by the mining company Solid Unity Nigeria Ltd.
Toxic gas is thought to have accumulated underground in poorly ventilated tunnels, causing the workers to collapse shortly before the end of their night shift.
They were discovered by miners arriving for the morning shift. More than 20 other miners were rescued and rushed to hospital for treatment.
Security personnel have sealed off the mine, located approximately 200km (124 miles) southeast of the state capital Jos, as investigations begin to determine the cause of the leak.
State officials have yet to visit the site, and response efforts have reportedly been slow due to security concerns. Armed criminal gangs, locally known as bandits, have been active in the area in recent years.
The Nigerian government has suspended mining licenses in the affected area and ordered an investigation, promising to release further details in due course.
Eyewitness Accounts and Official Statements
Safiyanu Haruna, one of the miners who found the bodies at the start of his shift, told the BBC that some miners underground survived and were taken to a hospital in Wase for treatment.
According to Haruna, the incident occurred around 06:30 local time (05:30 GMT), killing 37 miners.
"The miners had just finished performing their early morning Muslim prayers and had returned underground to finish their shift."
The Plateau state government issued a statement saying that, according to preliminary investigations, 33 miners were killed in a blast at the mine. However, workers at the scene dispute this account.
"It was carbon-monoxide gas that leaked and killed them," Haruna said.
"There was no rescue for them at the time because those who were coming for the morning shift had yet to arrive."
"It is sad to lose 37 miners who were struggling to make ends meet. We're disturbed by the incident."
The victims, believed to be men aged between 20 and 40, were buried shortly afterwards in accordance with local tradition, another local resident told the BBC.
The news has devastated the mainly Muslim community.
Context and Safety Concerns in Nigerian Mining
Mining disasters occur relatively frequently in Nigeria.
Less than two years ago, dozens of gold miners died after being trapped underground when a pit collapsed in neighbouring Niger state.
Officials believe that incident was caused by torrential rains which had softened the soil.
The current tragedy is likely to renew concerns over safety standards in Nigeria's mining sector.
Additional reporting by Ado Musa in Wase and Madina Maishanu
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