A tragic school building collapse in Jos, Plateau State, on Friday morning has resulted in the death of 22 children and left 132 others injured. The disaster occurred at Saint Academy in the Busa Buji community while students and teachers were in class.
The state Emergency Management Agency initially reported 17 fatalities, but the number rose to 22 by Friday night. The Plateau State Government, through a statement from Commissioner for Information Musa Ashoms, confirmed the updated death toll and detailed the ongoing rescue efforts.
Emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency, State Emergency Management Agency, Red Cross, security agencies, and healthcare professionals, have been working at the scene to rescue and treat the injured. A total of 154 individuals have been affected by the collapse.
Breakdown of hospital admissions and fatalities:
- Plateau State Specialist Hospital: 39 hospitalised, 3 deaths
- Our Lady of Apostles Hospital: 32 hospitalised, 5 deaths
- Bingham University Teaching Hospital: 55 hospitalised, 14 deaths
- Jos University Teaching Hospital: 6 hospitalised, no deaths
The government has directed all major hospitals in Jos to prioritize treatment of the victims, regardless of documentation or payment. Governor Caleb Mutfwang has emphasized the need for hospitals to accommodate those affected by the collapse.
The statement also highlighted the importance of adhering to safety standards in building construction. The Jos Metropolitan Development Board will conduct inspections to prevent similar incidents in the future. Schools and other facilities with structural concerns have been urged to close immediately.
Witnesses described the scene as heartbreaking, with parents and sympathizers gathering to mourn the loss of young lives. The collapse, deemed avoidable, was attributed to the weak structure of the school building and its unsafe location near a riverbank. The collapse followed three days of heavy rain in the area.
Resident Abel Fuandai, who lost a friend’s son, described the scale of the tragedy as frightening. Injured student Wulliya Ibrahim recounted the moment of the collapse, saying, “I entered the class not more than five minutes when I heard a sound, and the next thing I found myself here. We are many in the class, we are writing our exams.”
The Nigerian government has expressed deep sadness over the incident and has launched an investigation into the cause of the collapse. UNICEF Nigeria representative Cristian Munduate expressed condolences on social media, emphasizing the loss of young lives full of dreams.
In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed several building collapses, often attributed to poor workmanship, substandard materials, and corruption. The tragedy at Saint Academy is a stark reminder of the need for stringent building regulations and enforcement to ensure the safety of all citizens.
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