What happened?
Around 8:30 am on Friday, July 12, activities at Saints Academy, Jos North, were disrupted after the school’s two-storey building caved in on students and teachers during class hours.
Plateau’s commissioner for information, Musa Ashoms, confirmed the building collapse and said 120 people were trapped under the rubble.
“The Plateau State Government has expressed deep sadness over the tragic incident at Saint Academy Jos, where a building collapsed resulting in casualties and injured students and teachers still being evacuated to different hospitals within Jos.”
Multiple videos and photos also surfaced on social media showing scenes from the crash site.
What caused the collapse?
The Plateau government cited the school’s weak structure and close proximity to a riverbank as possible causes of its collapse.
Commissioner for Information Musa Ashoms stressed the need for schools in the state to adhere to safety standards and Executive Order 003, which the state governor signed in March 2024.
“The government emphasises the importance of adhering to safety standards, making Executive Order 003 sacrosanct. Schools with similar issues are urged to close down, enabling the Jos Metropolitan Development Board to prevent future incidents.”
The executive order regulates the construction of buildings in the state. It mandates that all building projects obtain necessary permits and comply with building codes and regulations.
Are there casualties?
According to the Plateau state government, 22 persons died from the collapse, while 132 persons were injured.
State Commissioner for Information, Musa Ashoms, disclosed this in a statement while giving an update about the incident on Friday evening.
“As of 6:00 pm, 154 people have been rescued from the debris. Sadly, 22 individuals have been confirmed deceased.”
Has there been any rescue operations?
In a post shared on Friday evening, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said that a search and rescue operation had commenced at the building collapse site. NEMA said over 40 persons trapped in the rubble were rescued and taken to the hospital, adding that two of the admitted individuals are in intensive care. The agency also confirmed the death of some students.
“Unfortunately, some students lost their lives, but the exact number of deaths is still being confirmed.”
NEMA added that it had concluded the operation and secured the crash site.
Governor Muftwang, President Tinubu Offer Condolences
Meanwhile, Plateau state governor, Caleb Manasseh Muftwang, sympathised with the families of students and teachers involved in the building collapse.
In a statement signed by his director of press affairs and public affairs, Gyang Bere, the governor expressed gratitude to the search and rescue team and members of the public who assisted in evacuating some of the surviving staff and students.
Governor Muftwang also directed NEMA and the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency to provide necessary support to the surviving victims of the building collapse.
Also sympathising with families of the victims, President Bola Tinubu, in a statement signed by his special adviser on media and publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, described the incident as a “huge loss to the nation”.
President Tinubu appreciated various emergency responders and citizens who were involved in the search, rescue, and resuscitation efforts.
“The President assures the people of Plateau State of his fervent support at this difficult time.”
How are Nigerians reacting?
Nigerians have since taken to social media, commiserating with Plateau residents and calling for prayers.
What can you do to help?
While the state government is actively providing care for victims, you can lend a helping hand to support medical centres that have been overwhelmed.
There are calls for blood donors at the Bingham University Teaching Hospital and O.L.A Hospital.
This is a developing story.
