At least 37 people have died and 26 others have been hospitalised following a toxic gas leak at a mine in north-central Nigeria.
The incident happened in the early hours of Tuesday in the Kampani Zurak community in the Wase area of Plateau State, according to police.
Police spokesperson Alfred Alabo said preliminary investigations indicate that the miners were exposed to a sudden discharge of lead oxide and other dangerous gases, including sulphur and carbon monoxide. The fumes are highly toxic, particularly in confined or poorly ventilated spaces.
Authorities say the bodies of the victims have been released to their families for burial in accordance with their religious practices.
The federal government has since closed the mining site, and an investigation into the cause of the leak is underway.
Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, said the miners were unaware of the toxic nature of the emissions and continued working despite the danger.
It remains unclear what mineral was being extracted at the site and whether the operation was legal. Nigeria has been grappling with illegal mining activities, particularly gold mining, which have led to deadly accidents and environmental damage in recent years.
