A devastating pit collapse at a brick-making site in Ridawa village, located in Ghari Local Government Area of Kano State, has left several labourers feared dead after being trapped beneath the earth.
The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Wednesday as workers were excavating soil for brick production when the pit suddenly gave way, burying a number of them underground.
Initial reports suggest that around 10 individuals were caught in the collapse. Rescue efforts were immediately initiated by local residents, while details regarding the exact number of casualties remain uncertain at the time of filing this report.
Reacting to the development, former Anambra State governor and presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as both heartbreaking and preventable.
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the tragic incident… where several hardworking Nigerians lost their lives following a pit collapse at a brick-making site,” Obi said in a statement shared hours after the news broke.
He stressed the importance of protecting workers, especially those in labour-intensive and informal sectors, noting that their contributions are critical to national development. According to him, “we must never forget that the ‘producers’ the labourers, brick-makers, and miners are our greatest national asset.”
Obi further described the deaths as a “collective loss to the nation,” pointing out that the victims were in their prime and actively contributing to the economy through physically demanding work. He added that the tragedy highlights “the urgent need to prioritise workplace safety, especially in our informal and artisanal sectors.”
The former governor extended his condolences to the bereaved families, the affected community, and the Kano State government. He also commiserated with Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and the people of Kano, praying for strength for those impacted.
“My heart goes out to the families of the victims… My prayers are with the bereaved families during this incredibly difficult time,” he said.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the risks faced by workers in unregulated environments across Nigeria, where safety standards are often minimal or poorly enforced. Local authorities are expected to review the circumstances surrounding the collapse as calls grow for stricter oversight and preventive measures to avoid similar tragedies.