Two Siblings Die as Soil Pit Collapses During Excavation in Sokoto

By Fahad Faruk Galadanchi

Tragedy struck Boyekai town in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State after two young siblings were buried alive when an excavation pit collapsed.

The fatal incident happened on Wednesday morning as a group of children from the same family reportedly went to dig laterite for house repairs ahead of the rainy season.

The victims identified as Yahuza Ibrahim and Mubarak Dandare were said to be aged 11 and below.

Residents said the children had accompanied their elder brother to a site commonly used for sourcing building materials around 10:00a.m

After part of the laterite had been taken home with the aid of a donkey, the remaining children continued digging when the soil suddenly caved in and trapped them underneath.

Witnesses said people nearby were unaware of the collapse at first delaying rescue efforts.

“By the time they realised what had happened and rushed to help, the children had already died” a resident Yahaya Boyekai, said.

The bodies of the victims were later recovered and buried the same day in line with Islamic rites.

Another resident, Alhaji Alu Usha Boyekai said more than two children were involved, noting that some survivors were rescued and are currently receiving treatment for injuries.

He also expressed concern over repeated excavation accidents in the area, recalling a previous case in which a man died in a similar collapse shortly before his wedding.

The incident has sparked renewed concern over the dangers of unsafe local excavation activities, particularly those involving children