Eleven Children Buried Alive in Nigeria Sand Pit Collapse

Eleven children died and seven were injured in a sand pit collapse in Kaduna state, Nigeria, as they were excavating sand for brick making. Authorities are investigating the circumstances of their work, with concerns about child labor stemming from their situation in informal madrassas, where children learn the Koran and may have to undertake labor to pay for school fees.

Tragedy struck in northern Nigeria as eleven children lost their lives in a sand pit collapse while working on Tuesday. The incident occurred near the village of Yardoka in Kaduna state, where the children, aged between four and nine, were digging sand to produce mud bricks. Police reported that seven others were injured during the collapse and are currently receiving medical attention.

Mansir Hassan, spokesperson for the Kaduna state police, confirmed the children’s deaths, stating, “Eleven of the children died and seven others were injured and now in hospital receiving treatment.” Rescue efforts involved local police and volunteers from the vicinity, who worked together to excavate the victims from the debris of the collapsed pit.

Authorities are now delving into whether these children were engaged in labor, which could be classified as child labor, as they were reportedly working under precarious conditions. They were attending an informal madrassa, a type of Islamic religious school common in Nigeria’s predominantly Muslim northern regions. Often, children from low-income families are sent to these institutions to learn the Koran and may be compelled to beg or undertake menial jobs to afford their education.

The traditional madrassa system has faced criticism over the years, with various groups and government entities attempting to enact reforms. However, such efforts are frequently met with resistance from established clerics within these communities. Notably, another tragedy occurred earlier this year in February when a deadly fire at a madrassa in northwestern Zamfara state claimed 17 lives and left many others seriously injured, highlighting ongoing concerns surrounding child safety in these educational environments.

The recent sand pit collapse in Kaduna state has raised serious concerns regarding child labor and safety practices in informal educational settings. With children from impoverished backgrounds often subjected to hazardous working conditions, this incident underscores the urgent need for reform in the madrassa system. The community and authorities must work together to address these systemic issues to prevent further tragedies.

Original Source: thesun.my