A tragic gas explosion at a mining pit in Plateau State, Nigeria has claimed the lives of 38 lead miners, with 27 others injured, according to local authorities.
Details of the Incident
The blast occurred on Wednesday morning at the Kampanin Zurak mining site in Bashar district. Victims were working underground when the explosion struck between 7:30 and 8:00 am (0630–0700 GMT).
“So far 38 people are confirmed dead and about 27 others have been rushed to hospital,” said acting traditional ruler Alhaji Aliyu Adamu Idris.
Nearby miner Ibrahim Dattijo Sani described the scene:
“We are close to the sites, people were inside the mining pits and suddenly a gas exploded. We tried many efforts for rescue but unfortunately 38 people have died.”
A confidential security report attributed the deaths to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Mining in Plateau State
Kampanin Zurak, operated by Solid Unit Nigeria Limited, is an old mining settlement in the Wase district. Plateau State, with its capital Jos known as the “Tin City,” has a long mining history, though activity has slowed in recent years.
Previous Mining Accidents
Nigeria has witnessed several deadly mining accidents in recent years:
- In September 2025, at least 18 people were killed in Zamfara State when a boulder crashed onto an illegal mine during heavy rains.
- Authorities have repeatedly blamed illegal mining for worsening insecurity, with criminal gangs extorting miners for protection fees to fund bandit violence.
Conclusion
The Plateau State tragedy underscores the dangers of mining in Nigeria, where inadequate safety measures and illegal operations continue to put lives at risk. As families mourn the victims, the incident raises urgent questions about regulation, enforcement, and the protection of miners across the country.
