20 Feared dead, others trapped as mining pit collapses in Taraba

No fewer than 20 people, including women and children, are feared dead or trapped following the collapse of an illegal mining pit in Mayo-Kam community, Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon while artisanal miners were carrying out excavation activities at the mining site, throwing the rural community into panic and grief.

A resident of Bali, Saidu Baba Bali, who confirmed the incident, said the miners were buried when the pit suddenly collapsed.

The victims were reportedly residents of Mayo-Kam community.

Confirming the disaster, spokesperson for the Taraba State Police Command, Victor Mshelizah, said rescue teams had so far recovered five bodies from the collapsed pit.

Mshelizah said the exact number of casualties remained unknown as search and rescue operations continued.

“The actual number of casualties has not yet been fully established, but our teams have recovered five bodies from the site so far,” he said.

He added that rescue personnel were working to locate and evacuate anyone who might still be trapped beneath the debris.

“Search and rescue operations are ongoing to locate and evacuate any remaining persons who may still be trapped underneath the debris,” Mshelizah added.

As of press time, the Taraba State Government had not issued an official statement on the incident.

Emergency responders, security personnel and local volunteers were, however, continuing efforts to search the collapsed site and determine the full extent of the disaster.