Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has announced the immediate closure of Saint Academy School and ordered a full investigation into the building collapse that resulted in 22 deaths and 132 injuries.
The governor issued the closure order during his visit to the collapse site to assess the situation. He was accompanied by the school principal and staff.
“It is unfortunate what has happened, but this school is closed down immediately. We can’t take any further chances, and we need to send this message particularly to owners of private schools,” Mutfwang stated.
“The motive for profit must not overshadow the safety of lives. Therefore, we are taking immediate steps to conduct a technical audit of all schools and test their structural integrity to ensure that they are safe for habitation.”
The school building collapsed on Friday while classes were in session. The deceased have been transported to various morgues in the state, while the 132 injured individuals are receiving treatment at different hospitals.
“As of 6:00 pm, 154 people have been rescued from the debris. Sadly, 22 individuals have been confirmed deceased,” said Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication Musa Ashoms in a statement on Friday evening.
“Injured students and staff are receiving medical treatment at various hospitals across Jos.”
“To ensure prompt medical attention, the government has directed all major hospitals in Jos to prioritize treatment of the victims, regardless of documentation or payment,” the commissioner added.
“Governor Mutfwang has specifically instructed these hospitals to accommodate all those affected by the collapse.”
Ashoms, who had earlier visited the scene of the collapsed two-storey structure, noted that the school had a population of 400 students, with about 200 present in the affected section at the time of the incident.
The Commissioner also expressed concerns that the collapsed structure did not meet building standards and urged schools with similar issues to close down immediately.
“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.
“We are calling on other schools that didn’t follow plans and have similar issues to close down in the interest of our state and our people because we have established a committee to go around,” Ashoms added.
