Jos School Collapse: Heartbreaks as Death Toll Climbs to 22

The death toll from the collapse of a school building in Jos, Plateau State, rose from 17 to 22 on Friday morning.

Initially, the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Sunday Abdu, confirmed 17 deaths after the collapse at Saint Academy in the Busa Buji community, Jos North Local Government Area.

Later, the state Commissioner for Information, Musa Ashoms, provided an update, confirming that the death toll had increased to 22, with 154 people suffering various injuries.

In his statement, Ashoms expressed the state government’s condolences and detailed the ongoing rescue operations. “As of 6:00 PM, 154 people have been rescued from the debris. Sadly, 22 individuals have been confirmed dead. Injured students and staff are receiving medical treatment at various hospitals across Jos.”

He provided a breakdown of hospital admissions and fatalities:

* Plateau State Specialist Hospital: 39 hospitalised, 3 deaths

* Our Lady of Apostles Hospital: 32 hospitalised, 5 deaths

* Bingham University Teaching Hospital: 55 hospitalised, 14 deaths

* Jos University Teaching Hospital: 6 hospitalised, no deaths Overall, 132 people were hospitalised and 22 deaths were recorded, totalling 154 victims.

Ashoms mentioned that the Plateau State Government had activated emergency response protocols immediately after the incident. Various agencies, including NEMA, SEMA, Red Cross, security agencies, and healthcare professionals, are involved in rescue and resuscitation efforts. Major hospitals in Jos have been directed to prioritize treatment for the victims, regardless of documentation or payment.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang instructed these hospitals to accommodate those affected by the collapse. The government also emphasized the importance of adhering to safety standards in building construction, urging facilities with structural concerns to close immediately for inspection by the Jos Metropolitan Development Board.

A thorough investigation into the cause of the collapse is underway. Ashoms noted that the school’s weak structure contributed to the collapse and that the building was near a riverbank, making it an unsafe location.

The tragic incident, which occurred around 8:30 AM when students and teachers were in their classes, saw parents and sympathizers gather at the scene. Despite ongoing rescue operations, about 120 people were initially trapped in the debris.

President Bola Tinubu expressed profound grief over the incident, describing it as a devastating loss. Governor Mutfwang also extended deep sympathy to the families of the victims, calling the tragedy heart-wrenching.

Emergency responders and medical professionals continue to work diligently to manage the aftermath of this avoidable tragedy, with ongoing efforts to prevent similar incidents in the future.