Tragedy struck the Yardoka community in Damau District of Kaduna State as eleven children lost their lives and seven others sustained injuries when a sand heap collapsed at a local block site.

According to eyewitnesses, the children were working inside a sand pit when the walls suddenly gave way, burying them under heavy debris. Despite frantic rescue efforts by community residents, eleven children could not be saved.

Victims Identified

The deceased children have been identified as Muntari Abdulkadir, Aliyu Abba, Ali Umar, Mubarak Haruna, Usain Isa, Yusuf Shafiu, Mujitafa Jibril, Yusha'u Saidu, Aliyu Abdu, Hamisu Mohammed, and Ali Abdulmomini. All victims were from Yardoka and neighboring communities.

Seven other children – Umar Dini, Jibir Surajo, Usman Abdulmomini, Sagir Hussaini, Naziru Abdullahi, Aminu Alkasim, and Kabiru Lawal – sustained various degrees of injuries. They have been rescued and are currently receiving treatment at the Primary Healthcare Centre in Yardoka.

Police Confirmation

DSP Mansir Hassan, spokesperson for the Kaduna State Police Command, confirmed the incident to reporters. "At about 1:45 p.m., information was received from the village head of Yar-doka, Alhaji Lawal Damau. It was to the effect that sand had caved in at a local block site, resulting in the deaths of 11 individuals, with several others sustaining injuries," he stated.

Hassan added that an investigation into the incident is ongoing. "The local government and state authorities have been informed, and further developments will be communicated as the investigation unfolds."

"This tragic incident highlights the importance of ensuring that safety measures are put in place at construction sites to prevent such accidents in the future. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the deceased and those affected by this devastating tragedy," the police spokesperson concluded.

The incident has raised concerns about safety protocols at construction sites and sand mining locations, particularly those where children may be present. Local authorities are expected to review safety guidelines for such operations in the wake of this tragedy.