A tragic soil collapse has claimed the lives of two children in Boyekai town, 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.
Victims Identified
The victims were identified as Yahuza Ibrahim and Mubarak Dandare, both 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.
Sequence of Events
After excavating a heap of laterite, one of them transported part of the soil home using a donkey, while the remaining ones continued digging at the site. During the process, the excavation pit suddenly collapsed, burying the children under the soil.
Rescue Efforts
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 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, 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.
Community Concerns
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.
