Mining Pit Collapse Claims Over 20 Lives in Taraba

By Andrew Ojih, Jalingo

No fewer than 20 people, including women and children, were feared dead on Thursday after a mining pit collapsed on illegal miners at Mayo Kam community in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The incident, which occurred on Thursday afternoon, has thrown residents of the community into mourning, with several of the victims reportedly identified as indigenes of Mayo Kam.

A resident of the community, Kenneth Ayila, who confirmed the incident to journalists in a telephone conversation, said the mining pit collapsed while the miners were working.

“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,” he said.

Also speaking, a community leader, Mallam Usman Bello, said the incident had plunged the community into grief.

Bello said most of those killed were members of the Mayo Kam community, adding that only a few people from neighbouring communities usually came to the area to engage in mining.

“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,” he said.

“We are in total shock over the incident,” he added.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Taraba State Police Command, Victor Msherizar, said the command was yet to receive 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,” Msherizar said.
The incident has renewed concerns over illegal mining activities in the state, particularly against the backdrop of reports of a ban on illegal mining operations in Taraba.
Authorities are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the collapse and determine the actual number of casualties as rescue and recovery efforts continue.