…At least 22 lives lost.
by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has expressed deep sympathy to 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.
Governor Mutfwang received the heartbreaking news with grief and sorrow, describing the tragedy as unfortunate and untimely, saying, “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.
He 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.
While highlighting the significance and broader purpose of Executive Order 003, recently signed into law, he clarified that its intention 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, and 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.