Five alleged illegal miners have died after a mining pit collapsed in Mayokam village, Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.   The incident was confirmed by the Taraba State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Victor Mshelizah, who said the miners were recovered from the collapsed pit by local residents. Mshelizah told Channels Television that rescue efforts were continuing to determine whether more miners remained trapped underground. The collapse occurred despite recent efforts by the state task force to clear the site of illegal mining activities. The task force had reportedly seized mining equipment and dispersed miners said to have come from Zamfara, Bauchi, Sokoto, Cameroon and Chad. Residents had previously protested against the impact of mining activities in the community and called for government intervention. The Taraba State Government has banned illegal mining across the state under Order 6, while stressing the need for responsible mining to develop its mineral resources.