Over 20 confirmed dead in Jos school collapse

… As governor Mutfwang expresses deep sympathy

The devastating building collapse at Saint Academy School Jos, Plateau State has claimed the lives of over 20 persons, according to Musa Ashoms, the Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication.

Ashoms confirmed the tragic news in an interview with TVC news on Friday evening in Jos.

BusinessDay reported that hundreds of pupils and teachers were trapped in the building when it collapsed, leaving many feared dead or injured.

The exact number of casualties is still unknown, but Ashoms’ confirmation of 22 deaths has sparked widespread grief and outrage.

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The school, a popular institution in the area, was bustling with students and staff when the tragedy occurred.

The cause of the building collapse is still unknown, but authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

BusinessDay reports that the community mourns the loss of innocent lives, demands for answers and accountability are growing louder.

Governor Mutfwang expresses deep sympathy

Meanwhile, Caleb Mutfwang, the Plateau State Governor, has expressed deep sympathy to the families of students and staff of St. Academy School, Jos, who perished in the collapse of a two-storey school building behind St. Murumba, Busa Buji, in Jos North Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement by Gyang Bere, his Director of Media and Public Affairs (DOPA), said Governor Mutfwang received the heartbreaking news with grief and sorrow, describing the tragedy as unfortunate and untimely.

He stated that “nothing can be more painful and heart-wrenching than this gloomy situation”.

The Governor appreciated 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.

He directed the relevant government agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Plateau State Emergency Management Agency, to provide necessary support to the surviving victims of the building collapse.

Governor Mutfwang expressed deep regret that the students were trapped while writing their promotion examination and extended his condolences to the grieving mothers who lost their children in the unfortunate incident.

Highlighting the significance and broader purpose of Executive Order 003, recently signed into law, Governor Mutfwang clarified that its intent is to safeguard citizens from such disasters, prevent Jos from deteriorating into a slum, and ensure compliance with building regulations in line with the Greater Jos Master Plan.

Governor Mutfwang stated that words cannot fully comfort the grieving families over their immense loss. He prayed that the God of all comfort will continue to console and uphold them during this difficult period.

He prayed that the Almighty God will grant the families, the school, and the extended community the fortitude to endure this irreplaceable loss, and that “his consoling presence will bring solace in these trying times.”