Scores feared dead as mining pit collapses on illegal miners in Taraba

Date: 18 September 2026 4:00am WAT

Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas

Scores, including women and children, are feared dead following the collapse of a mining pit at Mayo-Kam Community in Bali Local Council Area of Taraba State.

The incident occurred yesterday while illegal miners were working at the site, leaving residents in mourning and raising fears that several people may still be trapped beneath the debris.

A resident of Mayo-Kam, Kenneth Ayila, who confirmed the incident, said more than 20 people were feared trapped or killed after the mining pit suddenly collapsed.

“A mining pit has collapsed on miners at Mayo Kam village in Bali Local Council Area of Taraba State this afternoon. Over 20 people are feared dead,” Ayila said.

A community leader, Mallam Usman Bello, also confirmed the incident, saying most of the victims were indigenes of Mayo-Kam.

According to Bello, only a few miners usually come from neighbouring communities to engage in mining activities in the area.

He described the incident as a major tragedy for the community, saying residents were still struggling to come to terms with the development. “We are in total shock over the incident,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Taraba State Police Command said the actual number of casualties had yet to be established.

The command’s spokesperson, Victor Msherizar, said five bodies had so far been recovered from the collapsed pit, while rescue operations were ongoing to locate and evacuate other persons who might still be trapped.

Msherizar said the police could not immediately confirm the total number of victims, adding that further details would be provided as more information emerged.

The incident has renewed concerns over unregulated mining activities in parts of Taraba State, particularly amid reports of an existing ban on illegal mining operations.

At the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from the Taraba State government on the incident.

Rescue and recovery efforts are expected to continue as authorities work to establish the circumstances surrounding the collapse and determine the actual number of casualties.