11 Almajirai children crushed to death as sand heap collapses in Kaduna

Eleven Almajirai children have died while seven others sustained injuries following the collapse of a sand heap in Yardoka village, located in Kubau Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The tragic incident occurred around 1:45 p.m. on Monday, June 2, when the children were reportedly digging sand to assist their Qur’anic teacher in moulding blocks for a mud house.

According to community sources, the children were between the ages of 10 and 15.

The victims were 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.

Most of the deceased were not from the immediate village but had travelled from surrounding areas to study the Qur’an under a local Mallam.

Eyewitnesses say the children had been inside the sand pit when the wall gave way, burying them under tons of earth.

Despite frantic efforts by villagers to rescue them, eleven of the children were recovered lifeless from the debris.

Seven others—Umar Dini, Jibir Surajo, Usman Abdulmomini, Sagir Hussaini, Naziru Abdullahi, Aminu Alkasim, and Kabiru Lawal—were rescued with serious injuries.

They are currently receiving medical care at the Primary Healthcare Centre in Yardoka.

A local village head, who requested anonymity, confirmed the incident and described the scene as heartbreaking.

“Yes, it happened on Monday afternoon. Eleven children died. They were not selling blocks; they were helping their teacher,” he said.

“This area is often used by residents to gather sand for building and renovation works.”

Usman, another resident, called the tragedy “devastating” and blamed the absence of safety measures for the loss of lives.

The Kaduna State Police Command also confirmed the deaths.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said officers were dispatched immediately after a distress call was received from the community.

He stated that an investigation is ongoing to determine what led to the collapse.

“We are working closely with local authorities to establish the full circumstances of this tragic incident,” Hassan said.

“Our condolences go to the families of the deceased, and we are monitoring the condition of the injured.”

This tragedy has once again highlighted the dire need for safety regulations around informal construction sites, especially those involving minors.

Residents are calling on the Kaduna State government to enforce stricter control and ensure children are protected from hazardous environments.

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