Efforts by the Taraba State Government to tackle illegal mining have come under renewed scrutiny following allegations that security operatives are restricting local residents from accessing mining sites while allowing outsiders to operate.
The controversy has intensified after a deadly mining pit collapse in the Mayo-Kam community of Bali Local Government Area reportedly claimed at least 20 lives, with community members raising concerns over enforcement, safety and accountability.
Residents alleged that security personnel deployed to the mining sites were preventing indigenes from participating in mining activities while permitting miners from other states to gain access.
Community elder Tanko Abubakar Mayokam accused the operatives of demanding large sums of money from prospective miners before allowing them to enter the sites. He alleged that access was being determined by how much individuals could pay.
According to the allegations, some mining activities continue at night despite the state government’s restrictions on illegal operations.
The traditional ruler of Mayo-Kam, Sarki Baka Shaibu Haruna, also called for an investigation, expressing concern over the treatment of local residents and changes in the security arrangements at the mining sites.
The monarch reportedly linked the current safety concerns to the withdrawal and replacement of security personnel previously deployed to the area.
The latest allegations come amid concerns over the September 17 collapse at the Gidan Best mining site. Reports indicate that at least 20 miners died, while several bodies remain trapped beneath the collapsed pit, prompting calls for urgent government intervention.
The situation has heightened concerns about the effectiveness of the state’s efforts to regulate mining activities and protect workers in mineral-rich communities.
Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas had previously accused some government and security officials of facilitating illegal mining, promising stronger enforcement and improved oversight of the sector.
However, the allegations from Mayo-Kam suggest that significant challenges remain in implementing the government’s restrictions.
A state official coordinating mining logistics reportedly denied involvement in the alleged misconduct, while the Taraba State Police Command said it was not aware of the accusations and maintained that monitoring was ongoing. The allegations against security personnel have not been independently established.
Community leaders are now calling on the state government to investigate the claims, recover the bodies of miners still trapped underground and ensure that local residents are not excluded from opportunities linked to their community’s mineral resources.
The unfolding controversy has raised fresh questions about transparency, public safety and accountability in Taraba’s mining sector.
