Two children killed in soil collapse during excavation in Sokoto community
A tragic soil collapse has claimed the lives of two children in Boyekai town, located in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The incident occurred on the morning of April 29, 2026, when a group of children reportedly from the same family went to dig laterite for home repairs ahead of the rainy season.
The victims, identified as Yahuza Ibrahim and Mubarak Dandare, were said to be aged 11 and below.
Eyewitnesses said the children had accompanied their elder brother to a site commonly used by residents for sourcing building materials at about 10:00 a.m. After gathering a portion of the laterite, one of them transported some home using a donkey, while the others continued digging at the excavation point.
During the process, the pit suddenly caved in, trapping the children beneath the soil.
A resident, Yahaya Boyekai, said the presence of other people at the site did not immediately result in a rescue, as those nearby were initially unaware of the incident.
“By the time people realised what had happened and tried to rescue them, it was already too late,” he said.
The victims were eventually recovered from the debris and buried later that same day in accordance with Islamic rites.
Another resident, Alhaji Alu Usha Boyekai, confirmed the incident, noting that more than two children were involved. He added that some survivors were rescued and are currently receiving treatment for various injuries.
He also raised concerns about recurring incidents of this nature in the area, recalling a similar case in previous years when a man lost his life in a soil collapse shortly before his wedding.
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