Governor Muftwang shuts school Over building collapse that killed 22, injured 132
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has announced the immediate closure of Saint Academy School following a building collapse that resulted in the deaths of 22 students and injuries to 132 others. The tragic incident occurred in the Busa Buji area of Jos North Local Government Area, prompting the governor to order a thorough investigation into the causes of the collapse.
The governor visited the scene of the collapse to assess the situation firsthand. Accompanied by the school principal and staff, he expressed his condolences and emphasized the urgent need for action. “It is unfortunate what has happened, but this school is closed down immediately. We can’t take any further chances, and we need to send this message particularly to owners of private schools,” Muftwang stated.
He highlighted the importance of prioritizing safety over profit, stating, “The motive for profit must not overshadow the safety of lives. We are going to take steps immediately to do a technical audit of all the schools and test their structural integrity to ensure that human beings can inhabit such buildings.”
The collapse, which occurred while classes were in session on Friday, left a significant number of casualties. The deceased have been taken to various morgues in the state, and the injured are receiving treatment at multiple hospitals. “As of 6:00 pm, 154 people have been rescued from the debris. Sadly, 22 individuals have been confirmed deceased,” said Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication Musa Ashoms in a Friday evening statement.
In response to the emergency, Governor Mutfwang has directed all major hospitals in Jos to prioritize the treatment of the victims, regardless of documentation or payment. “Governor Barrister Mutfwang has specifically instructed these hospitals to accommodate all those affected by the collapse,” Ashoms added.
During his visit, the governor noted that the affected section of the school had approximately 200 occupants out of a total school population of 400 students. The Commissioner for Information also criticized the structural integrity of the collapsed building, pointing out that it did not meet safety standards. “You can see that it is by the river bank, and from your eye evaluation, you know that it is not a very strong structure,” he remarked.
Governor Mutfwang called on other schools with similar structural issues to shut down in the interest of public safety. “We are calling on other schools that didn’t follow plans and have similar issues to close down in the interest of our state and our people, because we have established a committee to go around,” he said.
Proofreading, editing by Sakinat Musa Abubakar and Jamila Yunusa Suleiman, Editor and Sub- editor at Neptune Prime
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