The Plateau State government has declared a three-day mourning period following the tragic collapse of the Saint Academy School building in Busa Buji, Jos North Local Government Area.
The disaster, which occurred on Friday, claimed at least 22 lives and left many more injured.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang announced the mourning period, which will run from July 13 to July 15, and ordered all flags in the state to be flown at half-mast in honor of the victims.
In a statement signed by the Plateau State Commissioner for Information, Musa Ashoms, Governor Mutfwang extended his condolences to the affected families and emphasized the importance of adhering to building regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future.
“We offer our deepest sympathies and unwavering support to those affected during this incredibly difficult time. We are dedicated to providing the best possible medical care for the injured and will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the collapse,” Muftwang said.
He also stressed the necessity for developers and property owners to submit their building plans to the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) for verification and revalidation, as mandated by Executive Order 003.
“The safety and well-being of our citizens, especially our children, is our top priority. We urge all schools to comply with safety regulations and secure the necessary approvals from the JMDB before beginning any construction projects.”
Governor Mutfwang has ordered the immediate closure of Saint Academy School and initiated a full investigation into the incident.
“It is unfortunate what has happened but of course what it means is that this school is closed down immediately. We can’t take any further chances and we need to send this message particularly to owners of private schools. The motive for profit must not overshadow the safety of lives. And so we are going to take steps immediately to do a technical audit of all the schools, we are going to test their structural integrity to ensure that human beings can inhabit such buildings,” he said.
According to the latest reports, 154 people were rescued from the debris, with 22 confirmed dead and 58 currently receiving treatment in various hospitals. The rest have been treated and discharged.