Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Tragedy struck Ridawa village in Kano State on Wednesday when a deep pit used for brick-making suddenly collapsed, burying several workers and causing widespread panic among residents. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of the morning, has prompted urgent rescue operations as fears grow over the fate of those trapped beneath the debris.
Local witnesses reported that the workers were excavating the pit to extract earth for brick production when the ground gave way without warning. The collapse buried at least 10 workers under heaps of sand and soil, triggering frantic attempts by fellow labourers, villagers, and family members to reach them.
Sani Bala, the federal lawmaker representing the Ghari/Tsanyawa constituency, confirmed the incident, noting that about 10 people were believed to be trapped. He appealed to state and federal authorities for immediate technical and emergency support, stressing the need for specialised rescue equipment, including excavators and professional extraction teams, to reach the buried workers quickly.
“We are deeply concerned,” he said. “The community is doing all it can, but we urgently need professional rescue teams and proper machinery to save lives.” His intervention highlighted the limitations of local resources in responding to such a major collapse.
Responders have been on the ground since the incident, working alongside villagers to dig through the debris in a desperate bid to reach survivors. Despite these efforts, many victims remained trapped, heightening fears that the death toll could rise. Witnesses said rescue operations have continued for hours, even as the soil remained unstable, complicating efforts to extract the workers safely.
Residents expressed distress over the incident, describing it as one of the worst accidents in recent memory. They lamented that such occurrences are frequent in rural brick-making sites, where deep pits are dug without adequate safety measures, protective structures, or formal oversight. Recent heavy rains were also cited as a factor that may have weakened the soil and contributed to the collapse.
Families of the trapped workers gathered near the site, some openly weeping and praying for the safe release of their loved ones, while neighbours stood in solemn support. Volunteers used shovels, hoes, and rudimentary tools to clear debris, working tirelessly alongside local responders.
Authorities at the time had not released an official casualty figure, and the exact number of fatalities or survivors remained uncertain. Nonetheless, eyewitness accounts indicated serious concern for the trapped workers, with ongoing efforts focused on extraction and medical attention.
The tragedy has raised questions about safety practices in informal labour sectors, particularly in rural brick-making and earth excavation operations, where workers face hazardous conditions with little protective infrastructure. Community leaders and analysts have called for stronger regulatory oversight and safety education to prevent similar disasters in the future.
The Kano State Government is expected to provide an official statement as rescue operations continue, with immediate priorities focused on saving lives and securing the area to prevent further collapses. Volunteers and emergency responders continued their efforts throughout the day, aware that every hour could determine life or death for those still trapped beneath the soil.
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