At least 37 miners died in a suspected carbon monoxide leak at a lead and zinc mine in Plateau state, central Nigeria. The tragedy happened just before sunrise near the town of Wase, at a mine run by Solid Unity Nigeria Ltd. Toxic gas built up underground in poorly ventilated tunnels, causing workers to collapse near the end of their night shift. The victims were found by miners arriving for the morning shift. Over 20 other miners were saved and taken to hospital for treatment. Security forces have sealed the mine, about 200 km southeast of Jos, the state capital. Investigations are underway to find the cause of the gas leak. Local authorities have not yet visited the site. Response efforts have been slow due to armed gangs, known as "bandits," operating in the area. Safiyanu Haruna, a miner who found the bodies, told the BBC the incident occurred around 06:30 local time after the miners finished early morning Muslim prayers and returned underground. "It was carbon-monoxide gas that leaked and killed them," he said. "There was no rescue for them at the time because those who were coming for the morning shift had yet to arrive." The victims, mostly men aged 20 to 40, were buried quickly according to local tradition. The mainly Muslim community is devastated. Mining accidents happen often in Nigeria. Less than two years ago, dozens died in a pit collapse at a gold mine in neighbouring Niger state. Officials blamed heavy rains for that accident. This new disaster may raise fresh worries about mining safety in Nigeria.