By Reports now indicate that the devastating incident that shocked the city of Jos in Plateau State, Nigeria, in which a school building collapsed at Saint Academy, resulted in at least 17 deaths and left over 120 people trapped. The tragedy, which occurred on Friday morning around 8:30 a.m., has prompted an urgent response from local and state authorities.
The Plateau State Government, through its Commissioner for Information, Musa Ashoms, expressed deep sadness over the incident, describing it as an “avoidable tragedy.” Initial reports suggest that the building’s weak structure and unsafe location near a riverbank may have contributed to the collapse.
Emergency response teams, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Red Cross, and security agencies, have been working tirelessly to rescue trapped students and teachers. Various hospitals within Jos are transporting the victims for urgent medical attention.
Sunday, Àbdu, the Executive Secretary of SEMA, provided a grim update on the casualties. Bingham University Teaching Hospital reported 13 dead bodies and 43 injured. OLA Specialist Hospital is treating over 40 victims, while Plateau Specialists Hospital reported 4 dead bodies and 40 injured. Jos University Teaching Hospital received additional casualties, although the exact numbers are still pending.
The state government has taken immediate action to address the crisis. The Commissioner of Health has ordered all major hospitals in Jos to prioritize treatment for the victims, without any documentation or payment. The Jos Metropolitan Development Board has reinforced Executive Order 003, emphasizing adherence to safety standards, and urged schools with similar structural issues to close down for inspections.
This tragic event has highlighted the critical importance of maintaining and enforcing safety standards in educational institutions. The Plateau State Government has stressed that this incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in building safety to prevent future tragedies.
Questions about the oversight of school buildings and the implementation of safety regulations are emerging as rescue operations continue and the community grapples with the loss of life. This disaster is likely to prompt a broader discussion on infrastructure safety and the measures needed to protect students and teachers across Nigeria.
The incident at Saint Academy serves as a somber call to action for improved building inspections, stricter enforcement of safety codes, and greater investment in educational infrastructure throughout the country. As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on rescue efforts and supporting the affected families, while authorities work to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
PunchOnline
