Just In: Tears as Many Feared Dead in Kano Pit Collapse, Details Emerge
- A tragic sand pit collapse in Kano State, northwest Nigeria, has reportedly left several brick-workers dead
- Eyewitnesses described community panic during rescue efforts for several trapped labourers on the site of the tragedy
- A concerned federal lawmaker waded in and called for urgent assistance as well as specialised rescue equipment
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering metro.
Kano, Kano State - Several brick workers are feared dead after a sand pit used for brick-making collapsed at Ridawa village, Ghari Local Government Area (LGA) of Kano State, on Wednesday morning, March 25.
As reported by Daily Trust, the incident occurred while labourers were digging a deep excavation site for brick production.
Source: Facebook
Kano residents die in tragedy
The pit suddenly caved in, trapping many of them beneath the debris, The Punch noted.
Eyewitnesses explained that the collapse sparked panic and immense sadness in the community as fellow workers and residents rushed to the scene to commence rescue efforts.
Sadiki Umaru, a Ridawa resident, rushed to the scene to join the rescue efforts after receiving a call from friends about people dying in his area.
The 40-year-old told the press:
“We used wet towels on our faces when we entered the shacks."
Federal lawmaker speaks on Kano incident
Sani Bala, the member representing Ghari/Tsanyawa federal constituency, disclosed that preliminary reports indicated that about 10 persons might be trapped underground.
He called for urgent intervention from relevant authorities, appealing for the deployment of specialised rescue equipment to support ongoing operations.
The House of Representatives member stated:
“We need urgent assistance to save those still trapped.
"The community is doing its best, but professional rescue support is required."
Rescue efforts continue in Kano
As of the time of this report, rescue efforts were ongoing, with villagers and emergency responders digging through the rubble in a bid to reach those buried. However, several victims were yet to be rescued, raising fears that the death toll could rise.
Residents noted that such incidents were not uncommon in rural brick-making sites, where workers often operate in deep pits without adequate safety measures or supervision.
The victims are believed to be mostly aged between 20 and 40.
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2 Kano lawmakers die hours apart
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the Kano State House of Assembly was plunged into mourning following the sudden deaths of two members, Aminu Ungoggo and Sarki Daneji, who passed away within hours of each other.
The first to die was Ungoggo, chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, who died at the Assembly complex after a brief illness.
Source: Legit.ng
