The Yardoka community in Kaduna State is reeling from grief following the deaths of 11 almajiri children who were killed when a sand heap collapsed on them during a digging activity.
The victims, aged between four and nine years, were reportedly collecting sand to assist in building a house for their Islamic teacher when the ground gave way, burying them under a mound of earth. Eyewitnesses said the children were working inside the pit when the soil suddenly caved in, trapping many of them.
Local sources confirmed that the children, all students of an informal Islamic school, were performing manual labour as part of their contribution to the construction effort.
Despite rescue efforts by local residents, most of the children could not be saved. Those confirmed dead include Muntari Abdulkadir, Aliyu Abba, Ali Umar, Mubarak Haruna, Usain Isa, Yusuf Shafiu, Mujitafa Jibril, Yusha’u Saidu, Aliyu Abdu, Hamisu Mohammed, and Ali Abdulmomini.
Seven other children—Umar Dini, Jibir Surajo, Usman Abdulmomini, Sagir Hussaini, Naziru Abdullahi, Aminu Alkasim, and Kabiru Lawal—were rescued with various injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the Yardoka Primary Healthcare Centre.
The Kaduna State Police Command confirmed the incident. Spokesperson Mansir Hassan stated, “Eleven of the children died and seven others were injured and are now in hospital receiving treatment.” He noted that both police personnel and local volunteers took part in the rescue operation.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the issue of child labour in informal educational settings. Authorities say investigations are ongoing to determine if the children were unlawfully engaged in labour activities.
“We are investigating whether the children were recruited to work, which would be considered child labour,” Hassan added.
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