* IGP orders investigation
From Nahum Sule, Jalingo
Mining tragedy struck on Thursday as no fewer than 53 people die in two states.
More than 20 people, including women and children, were feared dead after a mining pit collapsed on illegal miners at Mayo Kam community in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.
This was even as about 33 suspected illegal miners were also feared dead after being detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
The incident in Taraba occurred on Thursday afternoon, throwing residents into mourning, with several of the victims reportedly identified as indigenes of Mayo Kam.
A resident, Kenneth Ayila, who confirmed the incident, said the miners were working in the pit when it suddenly collapsed.
“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,” Ayila said.
A community leader, Mallam Usman Bello, also confirmed the incident, saying most of the victims were members of the Mayo Kam community.
“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,” Bello said in Hausa.
“We are in total shock over the incident,” he added.
However, the spokesperson for the Taraba State Police Command, Victor Msherizar, said the command had yet to receive an official report from the Bali Area Command.
“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 illegal mining activities in Taraba State, particularly amid reports of an existing ban on such operations.
Authorities are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the collapse and determine the actual number of casualties as rescue and recovery efforts continue.
In a related development, the suspected illegal miners in Niger were arrested during an operation against illegal mining activities in the state and detained at an NSCDC facility in Minna.
The deaths were discovered in the early hours of Thursday, according to the NSCDC Niger State Command.
The state Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, confirmed the deaths in a statement on Thursday, saying they followed a suspected outbreak of disease.
Aniviye said the command had conducted a “burst operation” on September 15 and 16 as part of its efforts to tackle illegal mining activities.
“The operation yielded significant results, with scores of suspected illegal miners arrested and various exhibits recovered.
“However, in the early hours of 17th September, 2026, scores of the detained suspects were found dead, following a suspected outbreak of disease.
“The corpses of the deceased suspects have since been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for further medical examination to establish the actual cause of death,” the statement added.
According to information at the hospital, the deceased were 33 in number, and they were suspected to have died from diphtheria.
The figure has not been confirmed by the NSCDC, which said only that “scores” of detained suspects were found dead in the early hours of Thursday.
Residents of M.I. Wushishi and Mekunkle, believed to be relatives of some of the suspects, reportedly protested on Thursday after news of the deaths spread.
Aniviye appealed to the families of the deceased and members of the public to remain calm and avoid actions that could lead to a breakdown of law and order.
He said the NSCDC was working with sister security agencies to manage the situation.
The commandant also said the corps remained committed to enforcing human rights standards and international human rights charters.
Meanwhile, the Niger State Police Command has commenced investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners who reportedly died while in the custody of the NSCDC.
The Commissioner of Police, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, ordered the investigation following the incident which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, September 17, 2026.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, persons arrested over alleged illegal mining were found dead while in detention at the NSCDC Niger State Command.
The Commissioner directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Minna, to take charge of the investigation and establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The command urged family members, relatives and members of the public with credible information that could assist the investigation to come forward and provide such information to the SCID, Minna.
Elleman also appealed for calm and urged residents, relatives and acquaintances of the deceased to remain law-abiding and cooperate with the investigation.
He assured the public that the command would thoroughly investigate the incident to determine the cause of the deaths.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to upholding human rights and ensuring accountability in the discharge of statutory responsibilities by law enforcement agencies.