JOS Tragic Friday As Collapsed School Building Kills 22, Over 200 Trapped

By: Abdulwasiu Akintunde 

Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Musa Ashoms, has confirmed that approximately 200 students were trapped when a school building collapsed in Jos. 

OPEN TELEVISION Naija reports that the incident occurred at Saints Academy, a secondary school, while Students were taking their third term exams on Friday.

Ashoms, accompanied by other commissioners including the Commissioner for Secondary Education, stated that the school has a total enrollment of around 400 students. 

The collapsed section housed about 200 of these students. 

Ashoms mentioned that the building collapse has resulted in casualties, with injured students being transported to hospitals. 

“The exact number of casualties is still unknown as the evacuation process is ongoing and also emergency workers are actively involved in the rescue operations," Ashoms said. 

The Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has urged medical personnel in hospitals to prioritize saving the lives of the survivors. 

“They should not ask for money or anything because this is an emergency situation,” the Governor emphasized. 

OPEN TELEVISION Naija gathered that the Commissioner, Ashoms, highlighted that the incident underscores the importance of Order 003 of the State Government, which aims to enforce the Greater Jos Master Plan to prevent such tragedies. 

He pointed out that the collapsed school building, constructed in a waterlogged area, did not meet construction standards. 

Ashoms added, by finalising that the Jos Metropolitan Development Board would ensure that faulty buildings are demolished and that ongoing constructions adhere to the required standards.