Several brickmakers are feared dead following the collapse of a sand excavation site in Ridawa village, located in the Ghari Local Government Area of Kano State, on Wednesday.

The incident occurred while workers were digging a pit for local brick production when the excavation site suddenly caved in, trapping a number of labourers beneath sand and debris, according to eyewitness accounts.

The collapse triggered panic within the community, as residents and fellow workers rushed to the scene in an attempt to rescue those buried. Initial rescue efforts began immediately but were largely carried out using rudimentary tools, limiting the effectiveness of the operation.

Sani Bala, who represents the Ghari/Tsanyawa Federal Constituency, confirmed that preliminary reports indicate that about 10 individuals may still be trapped underground. He called for urgent intervention from government agencies equipped with proper rescue tools.

“There is an immediate need for government agencies to step in with proper rescue equipment. Local efforts are ongoing, but they are not sufficient for a situation like this,” Bala said. “Time is critical, and every moment counts in saving those still buried.”

As of the time of filing this report, emergency responders, alongside local residents, continued efforts to excavate the site in search of survivors. However, several individuals remain unaccounted for, raising fears that the death toll could increase.

Residents expressed concern over the recurring nature of such incidents, attributing them to unsafe working conditions and the lack of regulatory oversight in informal brick-making operations common in rural communities.

“This is not the first time something like this has happened,” a resident said. “People work in dangerous conditions without any protection, and incidents like this keep occurring.”