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Four miners have reportedly been killed after a mining pit collapsed on them in the Baban Rafi area of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, reportedly happened while the victims were inside the pit mining tin.
Bokkos Youth Leader, Daniel Tula, confirmed the incident to Channels Television correspondent in a telephone interview, saying the victims comprised two men and two women.
According to Tula, the four miners were trapped following the collapse of the pit and were later buried by their relatives.
He described the incident as the first of its kind to be recorded in the area, raising concerns over the safety of miners operating in the community.
Tula said the circumstances surrounding the collapse were still being established, but confirmed that the victims were engaged in tin mining when the pit caved in.
However, the Plateau State Police Command said it had not received any official report on the incident.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, told Channels Television in a telephone interview that he had not been briefed about the reported deaths.
Alabo said miners often fail to report such incidents to the police, making it difficult for the command to immediately ascertain what happened.
He, however, promised to provide further details once he receives a formal briefing on the incident.
Efforts to get the Bokkos Local Government Chairman to confirm the incident were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls seeking his reaction.
The reported deaths come amid continuing concerns over safety standards and hazards associated with mining activities in communities across Plateau State.
