More than 20 people, including women and children, are feared dead after a mining pit collapsed on illegal miners at Mayo Kam community in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State on Thursday afternoon.
The victims, most of whom were reportedly indigenes of the community, were trapped when the pit suddenly caved in while they were mining, throwing residents into mourning.
A resident, Kenneth Ayila, who confirmed the incident, said more than 20 people were feared dead.
“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 said.
A community leader, Mallam Usman Bello, said most of those killed were members of the Mayo Kam community.
“Those who were killed in the mining pit are mostly from Mayo Kam community. Only a few people usually come from neighbouring communities to engage in mining here,” Bello said in Hausa.
“We are in total shock over the incident,” he added.
However, the Taraba State Police Command said it had yet to receive an official report on the incident.
The command’s spokesperson, Victor Msherizar, said the Bali Area Command had not transmitted details of the incident.
“We have not received the official report from the police area command, Bali. As soon as we get the details, I will give you the information,” Msherizar said.
The incident has renewed concerns over illegal mining activities in Taraba State, amid reports of an existing ban on such operations.
Authorities are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the collapse and ascertain the actual number of casualties as rescue and recovery efforts continue.