Many Feared Dead After Suspected Gas Exposure at Plateau Mining Site

An unconfirmed number of miners are feared dead following a suspected toxic gas exposure at a mining site in Company Zurak, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State. Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

The Wase Youth Leader, Shafi Sambo, said he was alerted to the development early Tuesday due to his role in the community. He said miners reportedly dug deep into the ground and were exposed to a gas that killed 37 workers at the site.

According to Sambo, several others were rescued and taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. The exact number of survivors could not be confirmed as of press time.

The affected workers were said to be mining zinc for a company described by community sources as Chinese-owned. Details about the firm and the specific mineral involved were not independently verified.

Troops of the Nigerian Army were later deployed to the area. The site has been cordoned off to restrict access and prevent further exposure.

Efforts to reach Plateau State officials for comment were unsuccessful. Calls placed to the Commissioner for Environment, Peter Gwom, and the Chairman of Wase Local Government Area, Hamisu Anani, were not answered at the time this report was filed.