More than 20 people are feared dead after a mining pit caved in on workers at Mayo Kam community in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The collapse reportedly occurred on Thursday afternoon while mining activities were ongoing at the site, leaving several workers trapped underground.
A resident, Kenneth Ayila, who confirmed the incident to journalists, said the exact number of casualties remained unknown but that 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.
Another resident and community leader, Mallam Usman Bello, said the tragedy had plunged the community into mourning, noting that most of those affected were believed to be residents of Mayo Kam.
“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.
Attempts to obtain an official casualty figure from 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 not received an official report from the Bali Area Command.
“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 renewed concerns over the safety of mining activities in Taraba State, particularly at sites where operations may be carried out without sufficient safety measures.
As of press time, authorities had yet to establish the circumstances that led to the collapse or determine the confirmed number of people trapped or killed.