Several brickmakers are feared dead after a sand excavation site collapsed in Ridawa village, Ghari Local Government Area of Kano State, on Wednesday.
The incident occurred while workers were digging a pit for local brick production. Eyewitnesses said the ground suddenly caved in, trapping a number of labourers beneath heavy sand and debris.
The collapse caused panic in the community, as residents and co-workers rushed to the scene to rescue those buried. Initial rescue efforts were carried out using basic tools, as locals struggled to reach those trapped.
Sani Bala, representing the Ghari/Tsanyawa Federal Constituency, confirmed that about 10 people were believed to still be trapped underground, stressing the urgency of the situation.
“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,” he said. “Time is critical, and every moment counts.”
As of the time of reporting, villagers and emergency responders were still digging through the rubble in search of survivors. Several victims remain unaccounted for, raising fears that the death toll could rise.
Residents also expressed concern over the recurring nature of such incidents, blaming unsafe working conditions in informal brick-making sites.
“This is not the first time something like this has happened,” a resident said. “People are working without proper safety measures, and these tragedies keep repeating.”
