At least five people have been confirmed dead, while no fewer than 20 others, including women and children, are feared trapped following the collapse of an illegal mining pit in Mayo-Kam community, Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The tragic incident occurred on Thursday afternoon when artisanal miners were reportedly carrying out excavation activities at the mining site.
The collapse triggered panic and grief among residents of the rural community, as families and other members of the community rushed to the scene in search of their loved ones.
A resident of Bali, Saidu Baba Bali, who confirmed the incident to Vanguard, said the miners were buried when the pit suddenly collapsed.
The victims were reportedly residents of Mayo-Kam community.
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Confirming the incident, the 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 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.
“Search and rescue operations are ongoing to locate and evacuate any remaining persons who may still be trapped underneath the debris.”
Emergency responders, security personnel and community volunteers were said to be working at the site as efforts continued to determine the full extent of the disaster and rescue anyone who may still be alive beneath the debris.
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As of press time, the Taraba State Government had not issued an official statement on the incident.
The latest development has renewed concerns over the safety of artisanal and illegal mining activities in rural communities, particularly where mining operations are carried out without adequate safety measures.
Authorities are expected to provide further updates as search and rescue operations continue.
