A tragic soil collapse has claimed the lives of two children in Boyekai town in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The incident occurred on Wednesday morning when a group of children, all reportedly from the same family, went to excavate 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.

According to eyewitnesses, the children had accompanied their elder brother to the site commonly used by residents for sourcing building materials at about 10:00 a.m.

After excavating a heap of laterite, one of them transported part of the soil home using a donkey, while the remaining ones continuing digging at the site.

During the process, the excavation pit suddenly collapsed, burying the children under the soil.

A resident, Yahaya Boyekai, said the presence of other people at the site did not immediately lead to a rescue, as no one initially realized what had happened.

“By the time they noticed and rushed to rescue them, it was already too late. The children had died before they could be brought out,” he said.

The bodies were later recovered and buried the same day in accordance with Islamic rites.

Another resident, Alhaji Alu Usha Boyekai, confirmed the incident and disclosed that more than two children were involved but some were rescued and are currently receiving medical treatment for varying degrees of injuries.

He also expressed concern over the recurrence of such incidents in the area, recalling a similar tragedy in previous years when a man died in a soil collapse shortly before his wedding.

The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of informal excavation activities in the community, particularly among children. (Daily Trust, but headline rejigged)