₦1,000 Reward Ends in Trag£dy as Three Children D!e Inside Pit Latrine
₦1,000 Reward Ends in Tragedy as Three Children Die Inside Pit Latrine
A community in Tudun Kusa village, Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State, has been thrown into mourning after three children died inside a pit latrine while attempting to retrieve a mobile phone reportedly in exchange for ₦1,000.
The tragic incident occurred on Thursday, November 12, 2026, involving three boys identified as Najjashi, Mohammed and Ashafa, aged between 12 and 15.
According to reports, the incident began after a resident, identified as Murtala, accidentally lost his Android phone inside a pit latrine and offered ₦1,000 to anyone who could retrieve it.
The youngest of the children, Najjashi, aged about 12, reportedly volunteered to enter the pit in an attempt to recover the device.
However, when he failed to come out or respond, another boy, 13-year-old Mohammed, entered the pit to find him.
When Mohammed equally failed to return, their 15-year-old friend, Ashafa, insisted on going inside to find out what had happened to the other two.
Sadly, all three children lost their lives.
Even a Chicken Died Inside the Pit
In a desperate attempt to understand what was happening inside the pit, residents reportedly lowered a chicken into it following a suggestion from an elderly community member.
However, the bird also died before reaching the bottom, further highlighting the dangerous conditions inside the abandoned structure.
The pit was reportedly a former well that had dried up before being converted into a latrine.
Residents eventually recovered the bodies of the three children using a hook.
Community Begins Three-Day Mourning
The victims, who reportedly came from different families, were buried in accordance with Islamic rites.
The pit latrine has since been sealed off, while the community has commenced a three-day mourning period in honour of the deceased children.
The councillor representing the area, Hashimu Muhammad, confirmed the incident, describing it as an unprecedented tragedy that has left residents devastated.
The incident has renewed concerns about the dangers associated with entering pit latrines and confined spaces, where toxic gases and oxygen deficiency can cause people to collapse and die within minutes.
Residents are urged never to enter such spaces to retrieve lost items or attempt rescues. Emergency and trained rescue personnel should be contacted instead.
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