More than 20 feared dead after Taraba mining pit collapse

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

Punch reported that the collapse happened on Thursday afternoon while miners were working at the site, trapping several people underground. A resident, Kenneth Ayila, said the victims were mostly from Mayo Kam community.

Vanguard reported that artisanal miners were carrying out excavation work when the pit collapsed. The report said panic spread through the rural community as residents and responders searched for people buried under the debris.

The confirmed toll remained unclear on Friday. Punch reported that more than 20 people were feared dead, while Vanguard reported that police said five bodies had been recovered so far.

Taraba police spokesperson Victor Mshelizah said search and rescue operations were continuing to locate and evacuate anyone still trapped. Punch reported separately that the command had not yet received a full official report from the area command in Bali.

The collapse has renewed concern about unsafe mining sites in the state, especially locations where miners work without clear safety controls.

Sources: Punch, Vanguard