The Federal Government has said it will support the victims, the families and the community affected by the Jos school building collapse on Friday, July 12.
Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, in a statement issued by the ministry’s Director, Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, sympathised with the victims and their families.
He said, “It is with deep sorrow that we receive the devastating news of the collapsed building in Saints Academy, Busa Buji in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, which occurred during School hours when classes were in session.
“Our heartfelt condolences go to the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, the bereaved families, the families of all the injured victims, and the entire people of Plateau State,” the statement said.
The Minister also called on relevant agencies including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency, to work together to provide the necessary support to the survivors.
According to Mr Mamman, the collaboration between these agencies is crucial to ensuring that the survivors receive the necessary care and assistance during this challenging period.
Benefits of quality control, standardisation of buildings
Further highlighting the importance of ensuring quality control by project contractors, Mamman said structural integrity is paramount to preventing such tragic incidents in future.
He also commended the search and rescue team and members of the public for their timely intervention and support in the evacuation of surviving students and staff of the school.
According to the Minister, their prompt action saved lives and brought immediate relief to those trapped in the rubble.
Details of the school building collapse
Recall that Daily Patriot earlier reported that a two-storey building house the Saint Academy in Busa Buji in Jos North Local Government Area collapsed while student wrote their exams.
The principal of the school while speaking on the incident said over 200 school children mainly of the junior secondary class were trapped in the rubble of the collapse.
So far, about 22 bodies have been recovered from the site of the collapse while 170 persons are still trapped.
