More than 20 people are feared dead after a mining pit collapsed on miners at Mayo Kam community in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday afternoon while the miners were working at the site, trapping several people underground.
A resident of the community, Kenneth Ayila, who confirmed the incident, said the exact number of casualties was yet to be established, but 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 the incident had plunged Mayo Kam into mourning, noting that most of the victims were believed to be indigenes of the 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.
Bello described the incident as a devastating blow to the community.
“We are in total shock over the incident. This is a very sad day for the community,” he added.
As of the time of filing this report, efforts to obtain official confirmation of the casualty figure from relevant authorities were unsuccessful.
The spokesperson for the Taraba State Police Command, Victor Msherizar, said the command had not received an official report from the police area command in Bali.
“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,” he said.
The actual number of people trapped or killed in the collapse remained unconfirmed as of press time.
The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of mining operations in parts of Taraba State, particularly at sites where miners may be working without adequate safety measures and supervision.
Authorities are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the collapse and determine the extent of the casualties.
