In a devastating incident, approximately 200 students were trapped when a school building collapsed in Jos, Plateau State. The collapse occurred on Friday at Saints Academy, a secondary school, while students were taking their third term examinations.
Musa Ashoms, Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication, confirmed the incident during a visit to the site, accompanied by other commissioners, including the Commissioner for Secondary Education. He revealed that the school had a total enrollment of about 400 students, with half of them in the section that collapsed.
The immediate aftermath saw a significant number of casualties, with injured students being transported to nearby hospitals. Ashoms noted that the exact number of casualties remains uncertain as rescue operations continue. Emergency workers are tirelessly working to evacuate and save the trapped students.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang has issued a directive to medical personnel to prioritize the treatment of survivors, emphasizing that no fees should be charged due to the urgent nature of the situation.
This tragic event highlights the importance of adhering to the state’s Greater Jos Master Plan, as stated in order 003 of the state government. The collapsed building, constructed in a waterlogged area, failed to meet proper construction standards, underscoring the need for strict enforcement of building regulations.
Ashoms assured the public that the Jos Metropolitan Development Board would take decisive action to demolish faulty buildings and ensure that ongoing constructions adhere to safety standards to prevent future tragedies.
