Subscribe: Gist E-Paper
At least five suspected illegal miners have died following the collapse of a mining pit in Mayokam village, Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The victims were reportedly trapped when the pit collapsed, prompting local residents to launch rescue efforts.
Confirming the incident in a telephone interview with Channels Television, the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Victor Mshelizah, said five miners had been recovered from the collapsed pit.
He, however, said rescue efforts were still ongoing as authorities searched the site to determine whether more miners remained trapped underground.
The incident occurred amid renewed efforts by the Taraba State Government to curb illegal mining activities across the state.
The state task force had recently raided the mining site, dispersing miners and confiscating their equipment.
The operation also reportedly led to the eviction of alleged illegal miners from Zamfara, Bauchi, Sokoto, Cameroon and Chad who were operating at the site.
Residents had previously protested against the impact of mining activities in their community and called on the government to intervene.
The Taraba State Government has banned illegal mining activities across the state under Order 6, maintaining that only responsible and regulated mining can support the development of the state's mineral resources.
