The Plateau State Government has confirmed that 22 people have died and 132 others were injured following the collapse of a school building in Jos.
Commissioner for Information, Mr. Musa Ashoms, stated that six of the injured are in critical condition.
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The injured are receiving treatment in various tertiary health facilities across the state, while the bodies of the deceased have been deposited in local mortuaries.
The tragic incident occurred at Saints Academy, a primary and secondary school in Busa-Buji community, Jos North Local Government Area, around 8:30 a.m. on Friday, as students were taking their third term examinations.
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Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau described the incident as a monumental loss for the state.
In a statement released by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Mr. Gyang Bere, the governor expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, calling the situation tragic and heart-wrenching.
“We appreciate the timely intervention of the search and rescue team, as well as members of the public who rushed to the scene to assist in evacuating the surviving students and staff,” Mutfwang said.
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He has directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency to provide the necessary support to the survivors.
Governor Mutfwang emphasized the importance of Executive Order 003, recently signed into law, which aims to prevent such disasters by ensuring compliance with building regulations as part of the Greater Jos Master Plan.
“The rationale for Executive Order 003 is to prevent Jos from deteriorating into a slum and to ensure compliance with building regulations,” he stated.
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The governor extended his deepest sympathies to the grieving families, offering prayers for their comfort and strength during this difficult time.
