The death toll from the school building collapse in Jos, Plateau State, has risen to 22. The tragedy occurred at Saint Academy in the Busa Buji community of Jos North Local Government Area on Friday morning. Initially, the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, Sunday Abdu, reported 17 fatalities. However, the state Commissioner for Information, Musa Ashoms, updated the figures to 22 dead and 154 others injured on Friday night.
What They Are saying
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has extended its condolences to Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State and the affected parents. In a statement released on Saturday, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, expressed profound sorrow over the incident. “The heartrending death of these young Nigerian children who left their homes in search of knowledge and pursuit of their dreams is a huge blow to our nation and humanity. We pray their deaths will not be in vain,” Ologunagba stated.
The PDP commended Governor Mutfwang for his prompt response in the search and rescue operation. They praised his efforts in providing emergency aid, evacuation of victims, and medical assistance to the injured. “Our party stands in prayers with the teachers, parents, siblings, and families of the victims, as well as the injured, at this trying time,” the statement read.
Similarly, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed deep sadness over the collapse. In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC described the incident as “unbearably heartbreaking.” They extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. “The children and adults killed and injured were in the place they were supposed to be, in school, doing exactly what was expected of them,” Morka said.
The APC urged the Plateau State Government to enforce building control standards more vigorously to prevent such tragedies in the future. They also commended the emergency response led by the National Emergency Management Agency and other agencies, including medical personnel who conducted the rescue, evacuation, and treatment of victims.
Why It Matters
The incident has cast a pall of grief over the community and the entire nation. Saint Academy School building collapsed around 8:30 am on Friday when students and teachers were in their classes. The state Commissioner for Information, Musa Ashoms, revealed that 120 persons were initially trapped under the rubble.
The PDP and APC’s responses underscore the urgent need for stringent building regulations and proactive measures to ensure the safety of educational institutions. As the nation mourns, the focus must shift to preventing such tragedies and ensuring that schools remain safe havens for children and educators.
Bottom Line
May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may their families find comfort in this time of immense sorrow.
