20 feared dead, 5 bodies recovered as mining pit collapses in Taraba

Five bodies have been recovered following the collapse of an illegal mining pit at Mayo-Kam community in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon while artisanal miners were carrying out excavation activities at the site, leaving several people feared trapped.

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

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

Confirming the incident, Victor Mshelizah, spokesperson for the Taraba State Police Command, said rescue operatives had recovered five bodies from the collapsed pit.

Mshelizah said the actual number of casualties was yet to be established, adding that search and rescue operations were ongoing.

“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.”

The incident has caused panic and grief in the rural community, with residents awaiting further information on the rescue operation.

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.