AT least , 17 people have died and 154 others injured as a school building collapsed in the Busa Buji community of Jos, Plateau State on Friday, July 12..
The school children were said to be writing exam when the tragedy struck.
It remained unclear if more victims remained in the debris when the state government gave an update on the tragedy Friday evening.
The state government expressed sadness over the incident.
Speaking through the state Commissioner for Information, Musa Ashoms, the government said 120 people were trapped under the rubble.
The school building reportedly gave way around 8.30 am on Friday when the students and teachers were in their classes.
The state government described the incident as an avoidable tragedy, citing the school’s weak structure and unsafe location near a riverbank.
“However, we commend the efforts of NEMA, SEMA, Red Cross and security agencies in rescuing trapped children and transporting them to hospitals.
“The Commissioner of Health has also ordered all major hospitals in Jos to attend to the victims.
“Current situation as of 6 pm, 154 people have been rescued from the debris. Sadly, 22 individuals have been confirmed deceased. Injured students and staff are receiving medical treatment at various hospitals across Jos.” the commissioner stated.
Ashoms noted that hospitals had received orders from the government to prioritise care without waiting for approval or payment.
According to him, approximately 120 people were trapped, with many evacuated.
The government emphasised the importance of adhering to safety standards.
It also ordered schools with similar issues to close down to prevent future reccurrence.
Ashoms stated that the incident underscored the importance of prioritising safety standards to prevent tragedies.
He confirmed that those injured were receiving treatments at hospitals across the state.
The government expresses its condolences to the victims’ families.
The commissioner assured that a thorough investigation into the cause of the collapsed building would be initiated.
Building collapses in Nigeria are recurring issues..
In 2021, a structure under construction collapsed, killing at least 45 people
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