By Daily Review Online
At least 20 people, including women and children, are feared dead or trapped following the collapse of an illegal mining pit in Mayo-Kam community, Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon while artisanal miners were reportedly carrying out excavation activities at the site, causing panic among residents of the rural community.
A resident of Bali, Saidu Baba Bali, who confirmed the incident, said the miners were buried when the pit suddenly collapsed.
The victims were reportedly residents of Mayo-Kam community.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Taraba State Police Command, Victor Mshelizah, said rescue teams had recovered five bodies from the site as of Thursday.
He said the total number of casualties had not yet been established, stressing that search and rescue operations were still ongoing.
“The actual number of casualties has not yet been fully established, but our teams have recovered five bodies from the site so far.
“Search and rescue operations are ongoing to locate and evacuate any remaining persons who may still be trapped underneath the debris,” Mshelizah said.
Emergency responders and local volunteers were continuing efforts to search the collapsed pit and determine the fate of those believed to be trapped.
As of press time, the Taraba State Government had not issued an official statement on the incident.Two headline options