Tragedy struck Ridawa village in Ghari Local Government Area on Wednesday morning when a pit used for brick-making suddenly collapsed, trapping several workers underground.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of the day, has left many feared dead, while others are believed to have sustained injuries. The victims were reportedly inside the pit digging earth for brick production when the ground caved in without warning.
Local sources said the collapse happened quickly, giving the workers little or no chance to escape. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as other workers and villagers rushed to the site in an attempt to rescue those trapped beneath the rubble.
As of the time of filing this report, the exact number of casualties had not been confirmed. However, there are growing fears that several of the trapped workers may have lost their lives, while others remain buried underground.
The accident has drawn attention to the risks associated with informal mining and brick-making activities in many rural communities across Kano State. In such areas, workers often dig deep pits without proper safety measures, making them vulnerable to sudden collapses, especially during dry or unstable soil conditions.
A member of the House of Representatives representing the Ghari/Tsanyawa Federal Constituency, Sani Bala, confirmed the incident and said about 10 people were believed to be trapped underground.
Bala expressed concern over the situation and called for urgent intervention by the government and relevant agencies to rescue the victims and prevent further loss of lives.
“This is a very sad development,” he said. “We need immediate action to save those still trapped and to support the affected families.”
Rescue efforts were said to have started shortly after the incident, with local residents taking the lead before the arrival of emergency responders. Villagers were seen digging with shovels and bare hands in a desperate attempt to reach those trapped beneath the earth.
However, the rescue operation has been slow and challenging due to the nature of the collapse and lack of proper equipment. The unstable soil has made it difficult for rescuers to dig safely, raising concerns about the chances of survival for those still underground.
The Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Fire Service, Saminu Abdullahi, said the agency had not yet received an official report about the incident at the time of inquiry.
“We have not received any report on the incident,” Abdullahi said. “The Ghari office has also not received any information. As soon as we get details, we will respond accordingly.”
His statement has raised concerns about delays in emergency response, especially in rural areas where communication and reporting systems are often weak. In many parts of northern Nigeria, incidents such as pit collapses or mining accidents are first handled by local communities before government agencies are alerted.
Residents of Ridawa village said brick-making is a common source of livelihood in the area. Many young men engage in digging clay and earth to produce local building materials, which are then sold in nearby markets.
While the activity provides income for families, it is often carried out without proper regulation or safety standards. Workers typically dig deep pits without reinforcement, making them prone to collapse, especially when the soil becomes loose.
Similar incidents have been reported in other parts of Nigeria in recent years, highlighting the need for stronger safety measures and government oversight. Community leaders have repeatedly called for training and support to help workers adopt safer practices.
The latest incident has once again brought these concerns to the forefront. Many residents are now calling on the government to introduce guidelines and monitoring systems to reduce the risks associated with such activities.
As rescue efforts continue in Ridawa village, families of the trapped workers remain anxious, hoping for good news. Some relatives have gathered near the site, waiting for updates as rescuers work to reach those still buried.
The situation remains tense, with fears that the death toll could rise if help does not arrive quickly. For now, the focus remains on saving lives and providing support to those affected by the tragedy.
Authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the collapse and determine whether any safety rules were ignored. For many observers, however, the incident is a reminder of the dangers faced daily by workers in informal sectors across the country.