At least eight Almajiri students are believed to have perished when a section of Dukk Hill in the Badariya area of Birnin Kebbi reportedly collapsed on them.
Confirming the tragic event to Sunday PUNCH, Malam Dan Umma, the head teacher of Tsagniya school, expressed his sorrow and spoke to the press, revealing that the incident occurred on Saturday morning.
He stated, “I was alerted by the cries of people at the back of the house and rushed to see a large portion of the hill had fallen on the Almajiris. Eight of them were killed instantly, while one was rescued from the rubble and hospitalized.”
“The hill, located behind my house, serves as a residence for me and the almajiris. It’s also where they use as toilets and dig for clay to make clay blocks for building,” he added.
Locals gathered at the scene to witness the aftermath of the hill collapse and offer condolences to the affected Islamic cleric.
Due to population growth and housing issues, Dukku Hill extends toward residential areas.
The deceased have been laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites.
Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, Nafiu Abubakar, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls at the time of this report.
