• At least 37 miners die in central Nigeria from carbon monoxide poisoning
• 25 others were hospitalizated after inhaling the toxic gas

At least 37 miners have died from carbon monoxide poisoning at a mining site in central Nigeria, according to media reports.

The incident occurred in the Kampani community in Wase, Plateau State, and left 25 people hospitalized, citing police and security sources obtained by news agencies.

Officials confirmed the site was a dormant lead mine, where accumulated minerals released deadly fumes.

Plateau State authorities said several people remain missing, while others are receiving treatment in nearby hospitals.

Security forces have cordoned off the area to prevent further access.

Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, stated the accident happened when local villagers, unaware of the toxic fumes, entered the tunnel to extract minerals, inhaling the gas.

Illegal mining remains a widespread issue in Nigeria, with most operations lacking government oversight and basic safety measures.

The federal government has suspended all mining activities near the site to allow a full investigation.

Plateau State is a historic mining region, with its capital Jos known as “Tin City,” though mining activity has declined in recent years.

Similar accidents have killed miners in Nigeria, including at least 18 people last year in Zamfara State when a boulder collapsed on an illegal mine during heavy rain.