Updated] 22 Students Confirmed Dead, 134 Injured In Jos School Building Collapse

At least 22 dead bodies of victims of Saint Academy school building collapse in Jos have been deposited at three mortuaries in Jos, while 134 persons are receiving treatment at various hospitals in Jos the Plateau State Capital.

CityMirrorNews report parents who have not seen their children have been rushing to the various hospitals trying to identify the location and condition of their children.

Investigation revealed that the breakdown of the Hospital Admissions show that at Plateau State Specialist Hospital (PSSH) 39 hospitalized and 3 deaths, Our Lady of Apostles (OLA) Hospital 32 hospitalized and 5 deaths, Bingham University Teaching Hospitals 55 hospitalized and 14 deaths and Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) 6 hospitalized and zero deaths recorded making the total of 132 hospitalized and 22 deaths.

Also the joint security task force operation safe haven has mobilized five hilux vehicles and thirty troops to compliment the rescue operation.

Excavators, volunteers, alongside security personnel and members of the red cross are still rescuing trapped students under the rubble.

Plateau State Commissioner of Information, Hon. Musa Ashoms while briefing Journalists at the scene of school building collapse in Jos confirmed the death of 22 students and expressed concern over the avoidable tragedy, citing the school’s weak structure and unsafe location near a riverbank.

He praised the efforts of NEMA, SEMA, and security agencies in rescuing trapped children and transporting them to hospitals.

“The government has instructed hospitals to prioritize treatment without documentation or payment, and the Commissioner of Health has ordered all major hospitals in Jos to attend to the victims. Approximately 200 people were trapped, and many have been evacuated”

Ashoms emphasized the importance of adhering to safety standards, citing Executive Order 003, which aims to ensure public safety. He urged schools with similar issues to close down and called for inspections to prevent future incidents.

“As of 6:00 pm, 154 people have been rescued from the debris, out of which 22 individuals confirmed deceased. Injured students and staff are receiving medical treatment at various hospitals across Jos.

“The government has directed all major hospitals in Jos to prioritize treatment of the victims, regardless of documentation or payment.

“The government emphasizes the importance of adhering to established safety standards in building construction, citing Executive Order 003. Schools and other facility owners with structural concerns are urged to close their facilities immediately, and the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) will conduct inspections to prevent similar incidents in the future.

“A thorough investigation into the cause of the collapse is underway. The government has assured the public that it is committed to ensuring the best possible medical care for the injured and will conduct a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the collapse.

“The safety and well-being of our citizens, especially our children, is our top priority,” said Hon. Musa Ibrahim Ashoms, Plateau State Commissioner of Information and Communication. “We urge all schools to strictly adhere to safety regulations and obtain necessary clearances from the JMDB before construction.”

“The government’s swift response and commitment to investigating the cause of the collapse demonstrate their dedication to ensuring the safety of citizens in Plateau State. As the search and rescue operations continue, the government’s support for the affected families and the injured is unwavering.

“The government commiserates with affected families and emphasizes the need for clearance from the Jos Metropolitan Development Board for any structure erected in the state.

He highlights the importance of prioritizing safety standards to prevent tragedies and ensure the well-being of citizens, especially children.

However the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) has commenced an investigation into the recent school building collapse in Jos, Plateau State.

Zonal Coordinator for North Central, disclosed that a team from the zonal office has collected samples for laboratory testing to determine the cause of the collapse.

He said the investigation will encompass soil investigations, material testing, and a review of the building’s regulatory compliance, including professional involvement and approval. The findings will inform policy recommendations to prevent similar incidents.

“NBRRI has a history of conducting investigations in Plateau State and the North Central region, including a recent probe into a building collapse in Terminus. The institute plans to conduct integrity assessments of public buildings in Plateau State and the North Central region, starting next week, to ensure their safety and prevent potential collapses.

“The assessments will focus on high-rise buildings, churches, markets, and schools, considering the heavy rainfall in the region. The institute aims to prioritize public safety through these measures.

Mr. Tyosar emphasized that NBRRI’s role is to conduct research and make recommendations, while regulation and development control fall under the purview of the Games.

House of Reps Member Representing Jos North, Bassa Federal Constituency Hon. Daniel Asama has expressed his condolences to the families affected by the tragic school building collapse in Jos, Plateau State. Describing the incident as a “black Friday,” Asama acknowledged the pain and uncertainty surrounding the tragedy.

While awaiting the outcome of the investigation, Asama assured his constituents that he will not rest until the cause of the collapse is determined and measures are taken to prevent such incidents in the future. He believes that building collapses are often due to human errors, which must be identified and mitigated.

Asama acknowledged the support of his colleagues, including the member representing Rukuba Irigwe and the chairman of Jos North local government, Sam. He emphasized the need for collective action to address the issue, stating that building collapses have become too frequent in Jos, with this incident being the second in just a few years.

The lawmaker vowed to work tirelessly to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that measures are put in place to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

He said his commitment to the people of Jos is to leave no stone unturned in uncovering the truth and ensuring the safety of lives and properties in the constituency.

Meanwhile the Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District Simon Bako Lalong has expressed sadness and regret the tragic collapse of a school building in Busa Buji Jos which resulted in casualties.

Lalong said the unfortunate incident evokes sorrow and grief as it reportedly led to fatalities including loss of previous lives of students and teachers who were at the school facility.

While commiserating with the families of the affected, Senator Lalong commended the response agencies for doing their best to search and rescue survivors, many of whom were evacuated to medical facilities for further attention.

He also commended public spirited individuals who also supported the rescue efforts as well as donated blood at the medical facilities where the evacuated survivors were taken to.

The Senator hopes that after the completion of search and rescue effort, a thorough audit will be carried out to ascertain the cause of the building collapse so as to forestall future occurrences.

He prays God to comfort the families of all those affected and urges relevant government agencies to give them necessary support at this time of grief.