Plateau Government Declares 3-Day Mourning After School Building Collapse in Nigeria

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has declared a three-day mourning period following the tragic collapse of a school building at Saints Academy in Jos, which resulted in the deaths and injuries of teachers and students.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the state government confirmed that 22 people died and 154 were injured in the collapse that occurred on Friday morning.

Mutfwang announced that from July 13 to 15, 2024, all flags would be flown at half-mast to honor the victims. This declaration was made after the governor visited the collapse site and the hospitals where the injured are being treated.

In a statement by Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Musa Ashoms, the governor expressed his condolences to the affected families and emphasized the importance of adhering to building codes to prevent such disasters.

“There is an urgent 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,” Mutfwang stated. “We offer our deepest sympathies and unwavering support to those affected during this 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.”

He stressed that the safety and well-being of citizens, especially children, is the government’s top priority, urging all schools to comply with safety regulations and secure necessary approvals from the JMDB before commencing any construction projects.

The governor also expressed his gratitude to the people of Plateau for their support and solidarity during this crisis, and he thanked first responders for their swift actions, as well as the citizens who donated blood and other resources to aid the injured.

As of the latest update, 58 individuals remain hospitalized, while 74 have been treated and discharged. Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) is treating six patients, Plateau State Specialist Hospital has six, Bingham University Teaching Hospital has 14, and Our Lady of Apostles Hospital has 32 patients.