The Plateau commissioner said the injured students and staff of the school are receiving medical treatment at various hospitals across Jos.
By Jeffrey Agbo
Plateau State Government has confirmed that 22 people died following the Friday collapse of a school building in the capital, Jos.
A total of 132 were rescued, according to the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Musa Ashoms.
Ashoms expressed the government’s condolences to families of victims of the tragic building collapse that occurred at Saint Academy.
The commissioner stated that emergency responders were currently at the scene conducting search and rescue operations.
“As of 6:00 pm, 154 people have been removed from the debris. Sadly, 22 individuals have died.”
The Plateau commissioner said the injured students and staff of the school are receiving medical treatment at various hospitals across Jos.
“Breakdown of hospital admissions and casualties shows that 39 were hospitalised at Plateau State Specialist Hospital where three deaths were dead.
“Our Lady of Apostles (OLA) Hospital had 32 hospitalised and five deaths; Bingham University Teaching Hospital: 55 hospitalised and 14 deaths.
“In Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), six were hospitalised and there was no death,” he said.
According to Ashoms, the state government activated emergency response protocols immediately upon notification of the incident.
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He stated that emergency services, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Red Cross, security agencies, and healthcare professionals, were working collaboratively in the search, rescue, and resuscitation efforts.
He added that to ensure prompt medical attention, the government directed all major hospitals in Jos to prioritise treatment of the victims, regardless of documentation or payment.
“Governor Caleb Mutfwang has specifically instructed these hospitals to accommodate all those affected by the collapse.
“The government emphasises the importance of adhering to established safety standards in building construction.
“In line with Executive Order 003, the government urges schools and other facility owners with structural concerns to close their facilities immediately.”
The commissioner added that the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) will conduct inspections to prevent similar occurrences in the future.