By Seyi Odewale
A tragic mudslide at a local block-making site in Yar-doka village, Damau District of Kubau Local Government Area, Kaduna State, has claimed the lives of 11 people, mostly children, and injured seven others.
The victims were reportedly working under a large heap of sand when it suddenly collapsed, burying them beneath tons of debris. Community members rushed to the scene to carry out rescue efforts before emergency responders arrived.
Following the incident, officials from the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA) visited the site to assess the damage, investigate the possible cause of the mudslide, and offer condolences to the grieving families.
While the exact cause of the disaster remains under investigation, Usman Mazadu, Executive Secretary of KADSEMA, described the incident as a “man-made and avoidable tragedy,” calling for increased vigilance and caution, especially during the rainy season.
“We are here to condole with our brothers and pray that God comforts the bereaved families. We also wish the injured a speedy recovery,” Mazadu said.
He expressed appreciation to Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, for the swift deployment of relief materials to the affected families, noting that the governor’s intervention would help ease the burden of the tragedy.
“This is not just a loss to the Doka community but a great loss to the entire state,” Mazadu added.
He also reiterated the importance of community safety, warning against risky practices around construction and excavation activities, especially during periods of heavy rainfall.
