A 50-year-old well digger, Yusuf Nadabo, tragically lost his life while re-digging a partially blocked well in Gargajiga town, Minjibir Local Government Area of Kano State. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, January 9, 2025, was confirmed in a press statement by the spokesman for the Kano State Fire Service, Saminu Abdullahi.

Incident Overview

According to Abdullahi, the accident happened when the walls of the well collapsed, burying Nadabo under sand. He was the only person inside the well at the time, while two others assisting him from outside were unharmed.

“The walls of the well suddenly caved in, covering the distressed digger with sand,” Abdullahi stated.

Emergency Response

The Kano State Fire Service received an emergency call at 11:40 a.m. from Bashir Namadi, a local resident. Rescue teams were quickly mobilized and arrived at the scene at approximately 12:20 p.m.

“Our rescue team swung into action and successfully retrieved two persons alive who were outside the well. Unfortunately, Yusuf Nadabo, who was trapped inside, was rescued unconscious. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where the doctor on duty confirmed him dead,” Abdullahi said.

Victims and Casualties

• Yusuf Nadabo (50 years old): Trapped inside the well during the collapse, rescued unconscious but later pronounced dead at the hospital.
• Two assistants: Both were outside the well during the incident and escaped without injuries.

All the victims were handed over to the ward head of Gargajiga town after the rescue operation for further actions.

Community Reaction and Warnings

The incident has left the local community in shock, as well-digging remains a common activity in the area, particularly during the dry season when water sources are often scarce. The Kano State Fire Service has used the opportunity to remind residents about the dangers of poorly constructed or neglected wells, urging safety precautions during such activities.

Safety Measures for Well Digging

To prevent similar tragedies, safety experts recommend the following measures:

1. Structural Assessments: Ensure the walls of wells are structurally sound before initiating repairs or deepening.
2. Safety Equipment: Workers should use appropriate safety gear, such as helmets and harnesses, to reduce risks during excavation.
3. Monitoring: A supervisor should be present at all times to monitor activities and provide immediate assistance in case of emergencies.
4. Emergency Plans: Communities should have pre-arranged emergency response plans for swift action in case of incidents.

Final Note

The tragic death of Yusuf Nadabo serves as a somber reminder of the occupational hazards faced by well diggers and others engaged in physically demanding jobs. While efforts by the Kano State Fire Service to rescue him were swift, the incident underscores the need for heightened safety measures in similar operations.

Local authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collapse and consider implementing stricter regulations to ensure the safety of well diggers and related workers in the region.