Federal Government Orders Probe into Jos School Building Collapse

The Federal Government of Nigeria has ordered an investigation into the collapse of Saints Academy School building in Busa Buji, Plateau State, which resulted in at least 22 deaths and numerous injuries on Friday.

The federal government has mandated an investigation into the collapse of the Saints Academy School building in Busa Buji, Plateau State, which resulted in at least 22 deaths and numerous injuries on Friday.

In response, the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) expressed profound grief over the incident, extending their condolences to the affected families. Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has ordered the school’s closure and declared a three-day mourning period.

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, announced the investigation, directing the Plateau State Controller to conduct an immediate and thorough probe to determine the cause and hold those responsible accountable. Dangiwa condemned the negligence and misconduct that likely led to the tragedy, emphasizing the human cost of such collapses.

Governor Mutfwang visited the hospitalized victims, the collapse site, and initiated an inquiry into the incident. He also mandated quality tests for private school buildings statewide and ordered the arrest of those engaged in illegal mining within city limits, citing its detrimental impact on building foundations.

The NGF, through Chairman and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, expressed solidarity with Plateau State, commending the swift rescue efforts and pledging support to prevent future incidents. They emphasized the importance of school safety and extended prayers and condolences to the affected community.

During the mourning period, all flags will be flown at half-mast. Governor Mutfwang urged strict adherence to building codes and ethics, and developers to submit building plans for verification. It was confirmed that 154 individuals were rescued from the rubble, with 22 fatalities. Medical reports indicated that 81 victims had been discharged from hospitals.

Medical professionals from Plateau Specialists’ Hospital, Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Our Lady of Apostles Hospital, and Jos University Teaching Hospital provided updates on the conditions and discharges of the injured, confirming that the remaining patients were stable.

READ ALSO: Jos School Building Collapse: Gov Mutfwang Orders School Closure and Arrest of Miners

SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, THIS DAY