The Plateau Commissioner for Information and Communication, Musa Ashoms, has confirmed a horrifying incident in Jos, Nigeria, where about 200 students were trapped in a school building collapse at the Saints Academy. The collapse occurred during the students’ third term examination, causing chaos and panic among the school community.
Ashoms, accompanied by other commissioners, including the commissioner of secondary education, visited the scene to assess the situation. The school had a total population of approximately 400 students, with the collapsed part of the building housing around half of them.
The rescue efforts are ongoing, with casualties and injured students being evacuated to hospitals. The exact number of casualties is yet to be determined until the evacuation is complete. Governor Caleb Mutfwang has urged medical personnel to prioritize saving lives without asking for payment, considering the emergency nature of the situation.
The commissioner emphasized the importance of enforcing construction standards to prevent such tragic incidents. The collapsed building, located in a waterlogged area, clearly did not meet construction regulations. The Jos Metropolitan Development Board will be taking action to bring down faulty buildings and ensure that future constructions adhere to standards.
This unfortunate event serves as a stark reminder of the necessity to prioritize safety and compliance with building codes to protect lives and prevent similar disasters in the future. Our thoughts are with the students, families, and school community affected by this devastating incident in Jos, Nigeria.
