In a heart-wrenching incident that has sent shockwaves through Plateau State, a school building collapse in Jos has resulted in the deaths of 22 individuals and left 132 others injured. The tragic event occurred at Saints Academy, a secondary and primary school in the Busa-Buji community of Jos North Local Area, as students were in the midst of their third term examinations around 8:30 am on Friday.
Musa Ashoms, the Plateau State Commissioner for Information, confirmed the grim toll, noting that six of the injured are in critical condition. The injured are currently receiving treatment at various tertiary health facilities across the state, while the bodies of the deceased have been taken to local mortuaries.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang expressed profound sorrow over the incident, describing it as a monumental loss for the state. In a statement issued by Mr. Gyang Bere, his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Mutfwang conveyed his deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and labeled the event as both heartbreaking and unfortunate.
“This is a tragic, unfortunate, heart-wrenching, and gloomy situation. We appreciate the timely intervention of the search-and-rescue team, as well as members of the public, who rushed to the school premises to assist in evacuating some of the surviving students and staff,” Governor Mutfwang stated.
The governor praised the heroic efforts of first responders and community members who rallied to save lives amidst the chaos. As the state grapples with this immense loss, authorities are investigating the cause of the collapse and taking steps to support the affected families during this devastating time.
The community of Jos is now united in mourning, with calls for enhanced safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. As the injured fight for their lives and families mourn their loved ones, Plateau State stands in solidarity, seeking solace and strength in the face of this profound tragedy.
