By Emma Ombugadu, Northern Operation
Two children have lost their lives following a tragic soil collapse in Boyekai town, located in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The incident occurred on the morning of Wednesday, April 29, 2026, when a group of children—reportedly from the same family—went to dig laterite for home repairs in preparation for the rainy season.
The victims, identified as Yahuza Ibrahim and Mubarak Dandare, were both aged 11 and below.
Eyewitnesses said the children had accompanied their elder brother to a site frequently used by residents to source building materials at about 10:00 a.m. After excavating a heap of laterite, one of the children reportedly transported part of the soil home using a donkey, while others remained at the site to continue digging.
Tragedy struck when the excavation pit suddenly caved in, burying the children beneath the soil.
A resident, Yahaya Boyekai, explained that although others were present at the site, the incident initially went unnoticed.
“By the time people realised what had happened and rushed to help, it was already too late. The children had died before they could be rescued,” he said.
The bodies were later recovered and buried the same day in accordance with Islamic rites.
Another resident, Alhaji Alu Usha Boyekai, confirmed that more than two children were involved in the incident. While some were rescued, they are currently receiving treatment for varying degrees of injuries.
He also raised concerns over the recurrence of such tragedies in the area, recalling a similar incident in previous years when a man died in a soil collapse shortly before his wedding.
