Jos — Four suspected illegal miners have died after a sand excavation pit collapsed at Tangur community in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident reportedly occurred at about 2:20 p.m. on Tuesday, September 22, along a river line where the victim s were carrying out their excavation activities.
Troops who responded to the report confirmed the deaths, while relatives later recovered the bodies for burial.
One of the victims was identified as Mallam Fahad Aliyu, while the identities of the three women were yet to be established as of the time of filing this report.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the collapse and the extent of mining activities at the site.
The tragedy again highlights the serious safety risks associated with unregulated mining activities in Plateau.
Many miners have lost their lives as a result of pit collapses, and despite the state government ban on illegal mining, people continue to engage in the activity.
On August 13, 2026, seven miners have lost their lives after a mining pit collapsed at Kassa community in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
The latest incident occurred a day after the state government imposed dusk to dawn curfew in Mangu, Bokkos and Barkin Ladi LGAs, to restore law and order following reports of attacks and killing. Also dozens of women were killed within few days in the affected local governments.
-9News Nigeria.
