20 feared dead in Taraba mining pit collapse

More than 20 people are feared dead after a mining pit collapsed on miners at Mayo Kam community in the Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State on Thursday.

PUNCH Metro learnt that the incident occurred in the afternoon while the miners were working at the site, trapping several people underground.

A resident of the community, Kenneth Ayila, who confirmed the incident to our correspondent, said the exact number of casualties had 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 thrown Mayo Kam into mourning, adding 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.

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“We are in total shock over the incident. This is a very sad day for the community,” he added.

Efforts to confirm the number of casualties from the relevant authorities were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

The spokesperson for the Taraba State Police Command, Victor Msherizar, said the command had yet to receive 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 incident has raised fresh concerns about the safety of mining operations in parts of Taraba State, particularly at sites where miners may operate without adequate safety measures.

The circumstances surrounding the collapse, including the actual number of people trapped or killed, had yet to be officially established as of press time.