20 feared dead as illegal mining pit collapses in Taraba

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By Femi Bolaji

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No fewer than 20 persons including women and children, are feared killed or trapped after an illegal mining pit collapsed on Thursday afternoon at Mayo-Kam community in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.

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The disaster occurred while artisanal miners were carrying out excavation activities at the site, triggering widespread panic and grief across the rural community.

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A resident of Bali, Saidu Baba Bali, who confirmed the incident to Vanguard, said the collapsed pit buried the artisanal miners.

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It was also gathered that the victims were residents of Mayo-Kam community.

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Confirming the incident, spokesperson for the Taraba State Police Command, Victor Mshelizah, stated that rescue operatives have so far recovered five dead bodies from the collapsed pit.

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

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

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As of press time, the Taraba State Government had yet to issue an official statement on the disaster, while emergency responders and volunteers continued rescue efforts at the site.

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