Several brickmakers are feared dead after a sand excavation site collapsed in Ridawa village, situated in the Ghari Local Government Area of Kano State, on Wednesday.
The incident reportedly happened while workers were digging a pit for local brick production. Eyewitnesses said the pit suddenly caved in, trapping a number of labourers under heaps of sand and debris.
The collapse sparked panic within the community, as residents and fellow workers rushed to the scene in a frantic effort to rescue those buried. Rescue operations commenced immediately but were largely carried out using basic tools.
Sani Bala, who represents the Ghari/Tsanyawa Federal Constituency, confirmed that early reports indicate that about 10 persons may still be trapped underground, stressing the urgent need for professional assistance.
“There is an immediate need for government agencies to step in with proper rescue equipment. Local efforts are ongoing, but they are not sufficient for a situation like this,” Bala said.
“Time is critical, and every moment counts in saving those still buried.”
As of the time of filing this report, emergency responders and villagers continued excavation efforts at the site in hopes of locating survivors. However, several individuals remained missing, raising concerns that the death toll could rise.
Residents also expressed worry over the repeated occurrence of such incidents, pointing out that informal brick-making activities in rural areas often operate without adequate safety measures or regulatory oversight.
“This is not the first time something like this has happened,” a resident said.
“People work in dangerous conditions without any protection, and incidents like this keep occurring.”