WATCH VIDEO As Residents Rescue Students Trapped Under Collapsed School Building In Plateau; 22 Confirmed Dead
The Plateau State Government has reported the tragic collapse of a school building in the Busa Buji area of Jos North Local Government Area, which resulted in the deaths of 22 people and injuries to 132 others. The disaster, which occurred on July 12, 2024, has highlighted significant concerns over construction standards in the region.
Heavy machinery and emergency responders have been diligently working at the collapse site, with bystanders watching as rescuers strive to retrieve trapped individuals from the debris. Dramatic footage has surfaced showing some of the trapped students being pulled out from under the rubble, emphasizing the scale of the tragedy.
Musa Ashoms, Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication, provided an official update on Friday evening. ” As of 6: 00 pm, 154 people have been rescued from the debris. Sadly, 22 individuals have been confirmed deceased, ” Ashoms stated. He added that the injured, comprising students and staff, are receiving medical treatment at various hospitals across Jos.
In the immediate aftermath of the collapse, Ashoms visited the site, noting that the affected two- story structure housed approximately 200 individuals at the time of the incident, despite the school’ s total population being around 400 students. To facilitate prompt medical attention, the government has directed all major hospitals in Jos to prioritize the treatment of the victims, irrespective of their documentation or payment status. ” Governor Barrister Mutfwang has specifically instructed these hospitals to accommodate all those affected by the collapse, ” Ashoms affirmed.
The Plateau State school collapse has drawn reactions from across Nigeria and beyond. President Bola Tinubu expressed his condolences to the victims and their families, describing the incident as a ” huge loss. ” The international community has also responded with messages of sympathy and offers of assistance.
This latest disaster underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of building regulations and more rigorous oversight of construction practices in Nigeria. It also highlights the importance of holding accountable those who cut corners and compromise safety standards, thereby endangering lives.
The Plateau State Government has promised a thorough investigation into the collapse to identify those responsible and prevent future occurrences. Meanwhile, efforts to support the victims and their families continue, with the government coordinating with various organizations to provide relief and assistance.
As the rescue and recovery operations proceed, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well- being of the survivors, many of whom have been left traumatized by the event.
Watch video below
