From Jude Dangwam, Jos

No fewer than 37 miners have died following a suspected gas leak and explosion at an underground mining site in Kampani Zurak community, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The tragic incident, believed to have been caused by carbon monoxide and other toxic gaseous emissions, occurred in the early hours of Tuesday when dozens of local miners returned to the tunnel after observing morning prayers.

Eyewitnesses said the miners had briefly left the site around 5:30am for prayers and were alive at the time. However, when they returned to resume work at about 6:30am, many reportedly collapsed inside the tunnel after inhaling the poisonous fumes.

Safiyanu Haruna, a miner in the community, said 37 persons were confirmed dead, while more than 20 others sustained injuries and were rushed to a hospital in Wase town for treatment. Funeral prayers for the deceased were ongoing as of press time.

Confirming the development, Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, described the incident as a tragic explosion triggered by a suspected gas leak. She said at least 33 persons were inside the tunnel at the time, with many feared dead and others currently receiving treatment in nearby hospitals.

Ramnap said the Plateau State Government had received the news “with deep shock and profound sadness,” extending condolences to the bereaved families and assuring that the government was working with security agencies, emergency responders and health authorities to manage the situation.

She added that the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, had contacted Governor Caleb Mutfwang and directed the immediate suspension of mining activities in the affected area pending investigations.

In a swift federal response, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, ordered the sealing of the mining site located in Zuraq, Wase LGA.

In a statement issued in Abuja by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, the minister disclosed that the affected site falls under Mining Licence 11810 operated by Solid Unit Nigeria Limited, owned by Abdullahi Dan-China.

Alake said preliminary reports indicated that the company had ceded the abandoned lead mining pit to members of the community following agitations for economic empowerment. The site, described as prone to toxic emissions including sulphuric oxide, was allegedly being mined by villagers unaware of the health risks posed by the stored minerals.

He announced that a high-powered investigative team led by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Yusuf Yabo, had been dispatched to determine both the immediate and remote causes of the disaster and recommend appropriate sanctions. The team includes experts in mining regulation, environmental compliance and artisanal mining cooperatives.

Wase LGA Chairman, Hamisu Anani, also confirmed the death toll, stating that 25 persons were hospitalised following exposure to the gaseous emissions.

As investigations commence, both state and federal authorities have pledged to enforce stricter safety standards and ensure accountability to prevent a recurrence of such tragedy in Plateau’s mining communities.

The disaster has once again drawn attention to the hazards surrounding informal and poorly regulated mining activities in the region, where many residents rely on artisanal mining as a primary source of livelihood.

The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) has unveiled its comprehensive 2026 calendar of activities, outlining an expanded domestic structure and a renewed drive to reposition women’s rugby on the continental stage.

The federation’s media coordinator, Tolu Oguntimehin, made this known in a statement issued on Monday in Lagos.

According to the release, the roadmap focuses on grassroots growth, youth development, high-performance pathways, and stronger international competitiveness in both the 7s and 15s formats.

The statement also disclosed that the 2026 season would feature expanded domestic competitions, representing one of the federation’s most comprehensive frameworks in recent years.

“A National 7s Circuit for both men and women across host states such as Kano, Lagos, Delta, and Edo, a six-zone National 15s League (North, South West, South East, South South), culminating in national finals in Abuja.

Also unveiled are, “Youth tournaments including Get into Rugby 2.0 (U13 & U18) and Rugby 7s at the National Youth Games (U15).

“Community and school competitions such as the Golden 7s Schools Tournament and National Open 7s (U18).

“International exposure through the Africa Cup 7s (Men) in Mauritius and other invitational fixtures,”it said.

According to the federation, the structure is designed to increase match exposure, strengthen talent identification, and ensure nationwide participation.

The statement further noted that women’s rugby, which had returned to the continental stage as a major highlight of the 2026 agenda, would serve as a catalyst for the revitalisation of Nigeria’s women’s rugby programme.

It said the NRFF had submitted a bid to host the Africa Cup Women’s 7s Regional Qualifier in Lagos/Ogun State.

It noted that hosting the tournament would restore Nigeria’s women’s team to the continental rankings and provide a pathway to the Africa Women’s Cup 7s.

“The federation is also exploring participation in the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup Division 1 (15s) in Tunisia — a potential route toward qualification for Africa’s elite women’s rugby competition.

“Officials say the dual 7s and 15s strategy is aimed at building a sustainable and competitive women’s programme, capacity building and governance.

“The 2026 calendar also includes World Rugby-accredited courses for coaches, medical personnel, match officials, and strength and conditioning professionals.

“This also includes alongside anti-doping education and structured school engagement initiatives.”

On the international front, the federation stated that Nigeria was set to compete in the Africa Cup 7s (Men’s), pursue international Test opportunities, and strengthen regional collaboration through the West Africa Rugby Series under the structures of Rugby Africa.

Describing the season as pivotal, the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation stated: “Our domestic competitions are stronger, and our women’s programme now has a clear continental pathway.

“Our youth initiatives continue to expand. We are building a sustainable rugby ecosystem for Nigeria’s future.”

According to the federation, the 2026 calendar represents a strategic blueprint for performance growth, women’s empowerment, and Nigeria’s sustained resurgence in African rugby.

The Lagos State House of Assembly and the representative of affected waterfront communities have backed the state government’s proposed water city project of the demolished areas.

This formed part of a five-point agreement reached on Tuesday evening during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the House of Assembly complex in Alausa, Ikeja.

The waterfront communities affected by the demolition are Makoko, Sogunro and Oko Agbon in Lagos State.

Speaking to newcomers, the Chairman, Adhoc Committee on Rules and Business, Mr Noheem Adams, said the proposed project by the state government was intended to benefit the affected residents.

Adams, who is also the House Majority Leader, said the state government would constitute a 10-man committee to conduct a self-enumeration of affected buildings.

The majority leader said the committee was expected to complete the enumeration exercise and submit its report within two weeks to the Adhoc Committee on Rules and Business.

Adams called for transparency in the self-enumeration process, noting that data provided by the community would be cross-checked with government records.

He directed Makoko stakeholders to submit the list of the proposed 10-man committee to the House upon its constitution.

Speaking to journalists, the Baale of Sogunro Community, Chief Abraham Mesu, commended the intervention of the Lagos State House of Assembly on the matter.

Mesu described the proposed Water City project as a landmark initiative capable of improving living standards and ensuring that residents remain the primary beneficiaries.

He, however, expressed concern over the impact of the demolitions but affirmed the community’s willingness to collaborate with the state government.

Also speaking, the Baale of Makoko Waterfront, Chief Emmanuel Shemade, said community leaders had resolved not to rebuild demolished structures until further notice.

Shemade said he was satisfied with the agreement reached at the meeting on the regeneration of Makoko communities without displacing residents.

He further commended the commitment of the state government to provide an aerial photograph clearly showing demolition boundaries within one month.

Earlier, Dr Olajide Babatunde, Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Geographic Information Service (GIS), said the state government had concluded plans for the Water City project as part of efforts to regenerate the area.

Babatunde said the governor was concerned about overcrowding and poor living conditions in the communities and assured that affected residents would be adequately compensated.