Two children have died in the Boyekai town in the Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State during a tragic soil collapse.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that the incident occurred on Wednesday morning when a group of children, all reportedly from the same family, went to excavate laterite for home repairs ahead of the rainy season.
The victims, identified as Yahuza Ibrahim and Mubarak Dandare, were said to be aged 11 and below.
Eyewitnesses told newsmen that the children had accompanied their elder brother to the site, a common spot for residents to source building materials, at about 10:00 a.m.
After excavating a heap of laterite, one of them transported part of the soil home using a donkey, while the remaining ones continuing digging at the site.
During the process, the excavation pit suddenly collapsed, burying the children under the soil.
A resident, Yahaya Boyekai, said the presence of other people at the site did not immediately lead to a rescue, as no one initially realised what had happened.
“By the time they noticed and rushed to rescue them, it was already too late. The children had died before they could be brought out,” he said.
The bodies were later recovered and buried the same day in accordance with Islamic rites.
Another resident, Alu Usha Boyekai, confirmed the incident and disclosed that more than two children were involved, but some were rescued and are currently receiving medical treatment for varying degrees of injuries.
He also expressed concern over the recurrence of such incidents in the area, recalling a similar tragedy in previous years when a man died in a soil collapse shortly before his wedding.
The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of informal excavation activities in the community, particularly among children.