At least five people have been confirmed dead after an illegal mining pit collapsed at the Mayo Kam community in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba state on Thursday afternoon, September 17, 2026. Rescue teams are still searching for more victims believed to be trapped underground.
Police Confirm Deaths and Ongoing Rescue Operation
Victor Mshelizah, the spokesperson for the Taraba state police command, confirmed the deaths to TheCable on Friday, September 18. He stated that officers have been at the scene since the day of the incident.
"It's at an illegal mining site at Mayo Kam community under Bali local government. So far, only five people have been confirmed dead. But we are trying to find out if there are more people trapped, so we can rescue them. We have men on the ground already and we have been there since yesterday," Mshelizah said.
Reports suggest that as many as 20 people may have been trapped when the pit gave way during working hours. The community has been thrown into mourning, with most of the victims said to be locals from the village itself.
Separate Illegal Mining Crisis in Niger State
The Taraba disaster follows a separate and alarming incident involving illegal mining in Niger state. Thirty-seven suspected illegal miners, who had been arrested across the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto villages during operations on September 15 and 16, were found dead while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
NSCDC commandant in Niger state, Suberu Aniviye, disclosed the arrests in a statement on Thursday. The federal government has since suspended Aniviye and ordered an investigation into how the detainees died while in custody.
Survivor Recounts Desperate Last Moments of Niger Miners
Previously, Legit.ng reported that a survivor of the cell deaths of 33 suspected illegal miners in Niger state described a desperate scene, claiming the victims repeatedly banged on the walls and screamed for air before they died. The account came through a relative of one of the survivors, who asked not to be identified for security reasons.
The twin incidents highlight the ongoing dangers and regulatory failures surrounding illegal mining operations in Nigeria. The Taraba police continue their rescue efforts, while the investigation into the Niger state deaths remains open.
