Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has shut down Saint Academy School following a tragic building collapse that killed 22 people and injured 132 others.
The governor ordered a full investigation into the incident during his visit to the collapsed building in Busa Buji, Jos North Local Government Area.
“It is unfortunate what has happened, but this school is closed down immediately. We can’t take any further chances,” Muftwang stated.
He emphasized, “The motive for profit must not overshadow the safety of lives. We will conduct a technical audit of all schools to test their structural integrity.”
The school building collapsed while classes were in session on Friday. Rescue operations have saved 154 people from the debris, but 22 individuals have been confirmed dead. The injured are receiving treatment at various hospitals.
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Musa Ashoms, Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication, said, “As of 6:00 pm, 154 people have been rescued. Sadly, 22 individuals have been confirmed deceased. Injured students and staff are receiving medical treatment at various hospitals across Jos.”
To ensure the victims get prompt medical attention, the government has directed all major hospitals in Jos to prioritize their treatment, regardless of documentation or payment.
Governor Mutfwang stressed that safety is paramount.
“We are going to take steps immediately to do a technical audit of all the schools. We are going to test their structural integrity to ensure that human beings can inhabit such buildings,” he said.
The collapsed building, a two-story structure, housed about 200 students. Commissioner Ashoms noted that the structure did not meet building standards and warned other schools with similar issues to close down.
“You can see that it is by the riverbank and, from your eye evaluation, you know that it is not a very strong structure,” he said.