…Govt Declares Three Days Of Mourning For Lost Lives
74 students who were injured when the two-storey building collapsed at the Saints Academy, Busa Buji area of the Jos North local government area of Plateau State have been treated and discharged, and 58 others are still on admission at the different hospitals in the city.
This is as the state government has declared a three-day mourning period to mourn the loss of the 22 persons who lost their lives in the incident.
The State Commissioner of Information and Communication, Musa Ashoms, who confirmed the development on Saturday, said, “In response to the tragic loss of lives and injuries sustained by teachers and students of Saints Academy Jos, the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, has declared a three-day period of mourning from July 13th to July 15th, 2024. During this time, all flags will be flown at half-mast to honour the victims of the school building collapse.
“Governor Mutfwang extends his heartfelt condolences to the families affected by this devastating incident and urges citizens to strictly follow building codes and ethics to prevent such tragedies. He emphasizes the need for all developers and property owners to submit their building plans to the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) for verification and revalidation, as part of the enforcement of Executive Order 003.
“We offer our deepest sympathies and unwavering 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.
“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.”
Ashoms added that at the time of this report, “58 individuals remain hospitalised, while the rest have been treated and discharged: Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) has six victims, Plateau State Specialist Hospital has six, Bingham University Teaching Hospital has 14; and Our Lady of Apostles Hospital (OLA) has 32. A total of 74 persons have been discharged.”
Saint Academy closed indefinitely
THE Plateau state governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has ordered the immediate closure of Saint academy, Busa Buji, Jos, Plateau state.
The Governor gave the order on Saturday morning when he visited the site of the collapsed building, which saw 22 students killed with more than 130 injured.
The governor went round the school premises, with the principal and staff.
“It is unfortunate what has happened but of course what it means is that 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 said.
The school building caved in while student were in class on Friday.
Bodies have been deposited in different morgues in the state, while the injured persons continue to receive life saving treatment, as the Governor Muftwang directed priority to be given to the treatment of the victims, regardless of documentation or payment.
Mutfwang also ordered the arrest of artisanal miners, mining around residential areas in the state.
President Bola Tinubu described the death of the 22 students as a huge loss to the nation, as well as a “devastating development—too excruciating to imagine.”
VAM News reported several people were killed and many injured when a two-storey building in Saint Academy Secondary School Busa Buji Jos collapsed while students were writing their third term examination.
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