Friday, May 1, 2026 - A tragic soil collapse has claimed the lives of two children in Boyekai town in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The incident occurred on Wednesday morning, April 29, 2026
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.
According to eyewitnesses, the children had accompanied
their elder brother to the site commonly used by residents for sourcing
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
realized what had happened.
“By the time they noticed and rushed to rescue them, it was
already too late. The children had d!ed 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, Alhaji 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.
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