BREAKING: Five Confirmed Dead, More Than 20 Feared Dead Or Trapped In Taraba Mining Pit Collapse
At least five people have been confirmed dead after a mining pit collapsed at Mayo Kam community in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State, while more than 20 others are feared dead or trapped following the incident.
The collapse occurred on Thursday afternoon while mining activities were reportedly taking place at the site.
The Taraba State Police Command confirmed that five bodies had been recovered from the collapsed pit, with rescue efforts continuing to determine whether additional victims remained trapped beneath the debris.
Police spokesperson, ASP Victor Mshelizah, said authorities were still working at the scene as efforts continued to recover possible survivors and establish the full casualty figure.
However, community sources gave a higher estimate of the possible casualties. Premium Times and PUNCH reported that more than 20 people were feared trapped or dead following the collapse, although the figure had not been independently confirmed by authorities.
Residents said the victims were among people working at the mining site when the pit suddenly collapsed.
The incident has renewed concerns over unsafe and illegal mining activities in parts of Taraba State, where authorities have continued efforts to restrict unauthorised mining operations.
Channels Television also reported that a state task force had previously dispersed miners from the area and seized mining equipment during enforcement operations.
Rescue and recovery operations were still ongoing as of the latest reports, while authorities continued efforts to determine the final number of victims.
The confirmed death toll therefore remains at five, but the number could rise if additional victims are recovered from the collapsed pit.
Vibnexa Media will continue to monitor the situation as authorities release further updates.
