The Plateau State government has declared a three-day mourning period to honour the lives lost in the tragic collapse of Saint Academy School on Friday.
The incident, which occurred while classes were in session, claimed at least 22 lives and left several teachers and students injured.
The school, located in Busa Buji, Jos North Local Government Area, caved in, resulting in significant casualties. In response, the state government ordered all flags to be flown at half-mast from July 13 to July 15.
This announcement was made in a statement by Plateau State Commissioner for Information, Musa Ashoms, on Saturday. Governor Caleb Mutfwang visited the school to offer his condolences to the affected families and emphasized the importance of adhering to building codes to prevent such tragedies.
“We extend our deepest sympathies and support to those affected during this incredibly difficult time. We are dedicated to providing the best possible medical care for the injured and will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the collapse,” Mutfwang said.
He stressed the need for developers and property owners to submit their building plans to the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) for verification and revalidation, in line with Executive Order 003.
“The safety and well-being of our citizens, especially our children, is our top priority. We urge all schools to comply with safety regulations and secure the necessary approvals from the JMDB before beginning any construction projects,” Mutfwang added.
The governor also announced the immediate closure of Saint Academy School and ordered a full investigation into the collapse. He highlighted the need for a technical audit of all schools to assess their structural integrity.
“Profit motives must not overshadow the safety of lives. We will take steps immediately to conduct a technical audit of all schools to ensure that buildings are safe for occupancy,” Mutfwang said.
Twenty-four hours after the incident, 22 people were confirmed dead, 58 were hospitalized, and the rest have been treated and discharged.
