Scores feared dead in Taraba mining pit collapse

Twenty or more people, including women and children, are feared dead after a mining pit collapse in Mayo-Kam community, Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State. The collapse occurred on Thursday while illegal miners were working at the site. Kenneth Ayila, a resident of Mayo-Kam, confirmed the incident, stating that more than twenty people were trapped or killed as the mining pit suddenly caved in.

"A mining pit has collapsed on miners at Mayo Kam village in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State this afternoon. Over 20 people are feared dead," Ayila reported.

Mallam Usman Bello, a community leader, also confirmed the tragedy, noting that the majority of the victims were local residents of Mayo-Kam. He added that few miners typically traveled from neighboring communities to work at the site. Bello described the event as a shock and grief-inducing disaster for the community.

The Taraba State Police Command confirmed that the exact number of casualties was yet to be established. Currently, five bodies have been recovered from the collapsed pit, and rescue efforts are underway to locate and evacuate any remaining trapped individuals. However, the command spokesperson, Victor Msherizar, stated that the total number of victims could not be immediately confirmed and would be provided as more information became available.

The incident has reignited concerns over unregulated mining activities in parts of Taraba State, particularly in the wake of reports indicating a ban on illegal mining operations. No official statement has been released by the state government at the time of this report.