20 killed in Taraba illegal mining pit collapse, police probe deaths in Niger NSCDC cell

No fewer than 20 people, including women and children, were Thursday confirmed dead after a mining pit collapsed on illegal miners at Mayo Kam community in Bali local government area of Taraba state.

The incident, which occurred in the afternoon of the ill-fated day, has thrown residents of the community into mourning, with several victims reportedly identified as indigenes of Mayo Kam.

A resident of the community, Kenneth Ayila, who confirmed the incident to journalists via telephone conversation, said the mining pit collapsed on the miners while they were working.

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

Also speaking, a community leader, Mallam Usman Bello, said the incident had thrown the community into grief.

“Those who were killed in the mining pit are mostly from Mayo Kam community. Only a few people usually come from neighbouring communities to engage in mining here,” he noted.

“We are in total shock over the incident,” he added.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Taraba state Police Command, Victor Msherizar, said the command was yet to receive an official report from the police area command in Bali.

“We have not received the official report from the police area command, Bali. As soon as we get the details, I will give you the information,” Msherizar said.

The incident has renewed concerns over mining activities in the state, particularly against the backdrop of reports of an existing ban on illegal mining operations in Taraba state.

Authorities are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the collapse and determine the actual number of casualties as rescue and recovery efforts continue.

… 33 die in NSCDC cell

In a related development, Blueprint reports that no fewer than 33 illegal miners arrested and detained by the Niger State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have been reported dead in the cell where they were being held.

The Public Relations Officer of the Command, Commandant Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, confirmed the incident in a statement Thursday evening, saying the suspects arrested for illegal mining died of strange disease.

However, it was learnt that the deceased suspects were arrested at an illegal mining site around M.I Wushishi Estate and Lukoto village, and allegedly kept in a congested cell while in custody.

A survivor simply identified as Abdullahi, told journalists that a total of 65 persons were arrested during the NSCDC raid, while 6 of them were  hospitalised.

“We were jam packed in the custody without ventilation, making it difficult to breathe leading to the death of the colleagues,” Abdullahi said.

While explaining that strange disease outbreak was the reason for the tragedy, Aniviye said: “The NSCDC Command in Niger State in its renewed efforts to rid the state of illegal mining activities, conducted a “burst operation” on 15th and 16th September, 2026, leading to the arrest of suspected illegal miners and the recovery of exhibits.

“However, in the early hours of 17th September, 2026, scores of the detained suspects were found dead, following a suspected outbreak of disease.”
 According to him, the corpses of the deceased suspects have  been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for further medical examination to establish the actual cause of their death.

The statement further said  the Corps, in synergy with sister security agencies, is on top of the situation, while appealing to the general public and the families of the deceased to remain calm and desist from any actions that could lead to a breakdown of law and order in the state.

Police begin probe

Meanwhile, the Niger state Commissioner of Police, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, has ordered the immediate commencement of investigation into the unfortunate death of the suspected illegal miners.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the state Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said this in a statement in Minna.

He said: “Consequently, the Commissioner of Police has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, SCID Minna to take charge of the investigation so as to unravel the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate death of these suspects.”

The statement quoted the CP as calling on family members, relatives, and members of the public who may have credible information and other details that could aid the investigation process to come forward to the SCID Minna and render such necessary information.

“He urges members of the public, residents, family members and acquaintances of the victims to remain calm, law abiding, cooperate and support the investigative efforts,” the statement added, assuring all that no stone will be left unturned towards unravelling the cause of the incident.

Abiodun assured that the Police Command remains committed to upholding human rights provisions and ensuring accountability in the discharge of statutory responsibilities by law enforcement agencies.