Tragedy has struck the Nigerian mining sector. At least 33 workers have died in a lead and zinc mine near Wase, victims of suspected carbon monoxide poisoning.

The circumstances of the tragedy

The accident occurred at dawn at a site operated by Solid Unity Nigeria Ltd. According to initial reports gathered by the BBC:

1. The origin: An accumulation of toxic gases in underground galleries lacking adequate ventilation.
2. The moment: The victims, aged between 20 and 40, had just finished their night shift and performed the dawn prayer before succumbing.
3. The discovery: It was the morning shift colleagues who found the bodies. Fortunately, 20 other miners were rescued and rushed to the hospital.

Conflicting accounts of the causes

Some uncertainty remains regarding the exact nature of the incident. While the local government is suggesting an explosion , workers on the scene maintain their theory of a carbon monoxide leak .

"Security forces have secured the perimeter and an official investigation has been launched to shed light on these conflicting accounts."

A mining sector under fire from critics

This latest accident reignites the debate about the precarious safety of mines in Nigeria. The country is regularly struck by similar disasters.

1. Structural risks: Poor ventilation and lack of safety equipment.
2. Previous incidents: Two years ago, torrential rains caused a deadly collapse of a gold mine in the neighboring state of Niger.

The victims were buried shortly after the tragedy, in accordance with local traditions, leaving a grieving community and many unanswered questions about the responsibility of the operating company.