In a devastating blow to Nigeria’s mining sector, carbon monoxide poisoning has claimed the lives of 37 workers at a remote site in Plateau State.
The disaster unfolded at the Solid Mining Company in Zurak, within Wase Local Government Area, shortly after dawn on February 18, 2026.
Workers, many in their prime years from 20 to 35, faced a silent killer as toxic fumes built up in confined spaces.
Sources close to the scene revealed that inadequate airflow in the deep shafts allowed the invisible gas to concentrate, turning a standard shift into a nightmare.
“We never saw it coming; one moment they were digging, the next they were gasping for air,” recounted a surviving colleague who wished to remain anonymous.
Panic erupted as bodies slumped in the dim tunnels, prompting frantic efforts by fellow miners to drag out the stricken.
Emergency responders arrived swiftly, sealing the zone to avert more harm.
Meanwhile, twenty-five survivors were rushed to a local health facility for urgent care, with several battling severe symptoms that could prove life-threatening.
Medical teams are currently monitoring them closely amid fears of long-term effects from the exposure.
As of the time of filing this report law enforcement has locked down the location, ensuring no unauthorised access while probes kick off.
“Our priority is piecing together how this happened and holding those responsible accountable,” stated a senior police official involved in the response.
AFRIPOST, however, reports that this incident shows persistent hazards in Nigeria’s extractive industries, where carbon monoxide, a byproduct of incomplete combustion, often accumulates without warning in poorly equipped mines.
Also, industry analysts emphasise that robust air circulation, real-time gas detectors, and drilled escape plans could slash such fatalities.
“Without these basics, every dig is a gamble with lives,” warned a mining safety consultant based in Abuja.
Officials vow a deep dive into the company’s adherence to regulations, aiming to uncover lapses in oversight.
As families mourn, updates on victim names and regulatory actions are anticipated soon.
Carbon monoxide poisoning in mining accidents remains a top search concern in Nigeria, drawing calls for stricter enforcement to protect vulnerable workers in Plateau and beyond.