Scores of people, including women and children, are feared dead after a mining pit collapsed in Mayo-Kam community, Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The incident happened on Thursday while illegal miners were working at the site, leaving the community in mourning.
A resident, Kenneth Ayila, said more than 20 people were feared trapped or killed in the collapse.
“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.
Community leader Mallam Usman Bello said most of those affected were indigenes of Mayo-Kam. He added that only a few miners normally came from nearby communities to work there.
“We are in total shock over the incident,” he said.
But the Taraba State Police Command said the actual number of casualties was not yet known.
Police spokesperson Victor Msherizar said five bodies had been recovered, while rescue teams continued searching for others who might still be trapped.
He said the police could not confirm the total number of victims yet and would provide more details as they become available.
The tragedy has again raised concerns about unregulated mining in Taraba, amid reports of an existing ban on illegal mining.
The state government had not issued an official statement at the time of filing this report.
