Plateau Mining Tragedy: 37 Dead After Suspected Toxic Gas Exposure in Wase LGA

 

​A wave of mourning has gripped North-Central Nigeria following reports that poisonous gas left 37 dead and 25 others hospitalized in a devastating mining accident in Plateau State. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, February 17, 2026, took place at a mining site in Company Zurak, Wase Local Government Area. While the local community grapples with the sudden loss of young lives—mostly men aged between 20 and 35—critics have noted that the Nigerian government remains mum on the matter, raising urgent questions regarding mining safety regulations and the protection of artisanal workers. In this comprehensive report, we explore the causes of the leak, the current health crisis in local hospitals, and the growing demand for federal accountability.

​The Wase Mining Disaster: How Carbon Monoxide Claimed 37 Lives

​The tragedy struck as miners were conducting routine underground operations at a site reportedly linked to a Chinese-owned firm. According to eyewitness accounts and local youth leaders, the miners were working deep within poorly ventilated tunnels when they were suddenly exposed to a high concentration of carbon monoxide.

​Carbon monoxide (CO) is often called the "silent killer" because it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. In deep mining environments, it can accumulate rapidly due to the use of internal combustion engines or explosive blasting in confined spaces without adequate airflow.

• ​The Toll: 37 miners died almost instantly inside the tunnels.
• ​The Survivors: 25 individuals were rescued in critical condition and rushed to nearby healthcare facilities.
• ​Demographics: The victims were predominantly young men, the primary breadwinners for many families in the Wase community.

​Emergency Response and the "Silence" from Abuja

​As news of the disaster spread, troops from the Nigerian Army were deployed to the site to cordon off the area. The military's presence was intended to prevent further exposure and stop residents from entering the hazardous zones. However, as of February 18, 2026, there has been a noticeable lack of a formal statement from the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals or the Presidency.

​This "silence" has become a focal point of public frustration. Advocacy groups argue that the Nigerian govt mum as poisonous gas kills its citizens reflects a systemic neglect of the artisanal mining sector. While the government often promotes mining as a key pillar of its economic diversification strategy, critics point out that the human cost of unregulated sites continues to rise without corresponding safety reforms or immediate disaster response protocols.

​The Health Crisis: 25 Hospitalized in Critical Condition

​For the 25 survivors, the battle is far from over. Medical experts at the hospitals in Plateau State are working tirelessly to treat victims of severe gas poisoning. Carbon monoxide poisoning is particularly dangerous because it displaces oxygen in the blood, leading to permanent brain damage, heart complications, or delayed neurological deficits.

​The local healthcare system in Wase and surrounding areas is currently under immense pressure. Survivors often require high-flow oxygen therapy or hyperbaric chambers—facilities that are often scarce in rural mining hubs. There are mounting calls for the Plateau State Government and the Federal Ministry of Health to provide specialized medical aid and financial support for the families of the victims.

​The Risks of Deep-Level Mining in Nigeria

​The Plateau tragedy highlights the recurring dangers of the Nigerian mining industry, which is often characterized by:

1. ​Poor Ventilation: Many sites lack the mechanical fans and shafts necessary to cycle fresh air through deep tunnels.
2. ​Lack of Monitoring: Artisanal and even some corporate sites do not utilize portable gas detectors that could alert workers to CO or methane leaks.
3. ​Inadequate PPE: Most miners work without self-contained self-rescuer (SCSR) devices, which provide a short-term oxygen supply during emergencies.

​Calls for Accountability and Reform

​The Wase Youth Leader, Shafi Sambo, has called for a thorough investigation into the operating standards of the firms in the region. There is a growing demand for the government to:

• ​Audit Mining Licenses: Review the safety compliance of all firms operating in the Wase and Zurak axis.
• ​Enforce Safety Protocols: Mandatory gas monitoring and ventilation standards for all underground operations.
• ​Compensate Victims: Provide immediate relief and long-term support for the families of the 37 deceased miners.

​Conclusion

​The poisonous gas leak in Plateau State is a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by those in the mining sector. While the 37 deaths represent a massive loss for the Wase community, the broader silence from official quarters serves as a chilling backdrop to the tragedy. As the site remains cordoned off by the military, the nation waits to see if the Nigerian government will break its silence and take the necessary steps to ensure that such a disaster never happens again.