Tragedy struck Ridawa village in Ghari Local Government Area of Kano State on Wednesday after a pit used for brick-making collapsed, trapping an unspecified number of workers beneath the earth.
The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of the day while the victims were engaged in digging soil for brick production. According to local sources, the workers were inside the pit when it suddenly caved in, burying many of them underground.
There are growing fears that several of the trapped workers may have lost their lives, while others sustained varying degrees of injuries in the collapse. The exact number of casualties remains unclear as rescue efforts continue.
Residents and local responders quickly mobilized to the scene in an attempt to rescue those trapped beneath the rubble. Emergency efforts have been ongoing, with rescuers working under challenging conditions to reach survivors. However, as of the time of filing this report, some victims were still trapped, raising concerns about their chances of survival.
The member representing Ghari/Tsanyawa Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Sani Bala, confirmed the incident and disclosed that about 10 persons were believed to be trapped underground. He called for urgent government intervention to support rescue operations and prevent further loss of lives.
“This is a tragic situation that requires immediate attention. Efforts must be intensified to rescue those still trapped and provide medical assistance to the injured,” he said.
However, the Kano State Fire Service said it had yet to receive an official report of the incident. The agency’s Public Relations Officer, Saminu Abdullahi, stated that the Ghari office had not been formally notified. “We have not received any report on the incident. As soon as we get details, we shall respond accordingly,” he said.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about safety practices in informal mining and excavation activities, particularly in rural communities where regulation and oversight are often limited. Observers note that without proper safety measures, such operations pose significant risks to workers.
Authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the collapse while intensifying efforts to rescue survivors and provide relief to affected families.
