22 pupils have been confirmed dead since a school building collapsed in Jos, Plateau State on Friday morning.
The Executive Secretary of the state Emergency Management Agency, Sunday Abdu had earlier confirmed 17 persons dead after a rescue operation at the Saint Academy located at the Busa Buji community in Jos North Local Government Area of the state
But the state Commissioner for Information, Musa Ashoms, who gave a fresh update on the sad incident, in a statement he issued on Friday night, confirmed that the death had risen to 22 while 154 persons suffered different degrees of fatalities.
The statement read in part, “The Plateau State Government expresses its deepest condolences following the tragic building collapse at Saint Academy, Jos, on July 12, 2024. The collapse resulted in 154 fatalities and injuries. Emergency responders are currently at the scene conducting search and rescue operations.
“Current situation as of 6:00 pm, 154 people have been rescued from the debris. Sadly, 22 individuals have been confirmed deceased. Injured students and staff are receiving medical treatment at various hospitals across Jos.
“Breakdown of Hospital Admissions and Fatalities: Hospital, Patients and number Deaths. Plateau State Specialist Hospital, 39 hospitalised and three deaths; Our Lady of Apostles Hospital, 32 hospitalised and five deaths; Bingham University Teaching Hospital, 55 hospitalised and 14 deaths. Jos University Teaching Hospital, six hospitalised and zero deaths.
“Total: 132 hospitalised and 22 deaths, a grand total of 154 victims.”
The commissioner added, “The Plateau State Government activated emergency response protocols immediately upon notification of the incident.
“Emergency services include the National Emergency Management Agency, State Emergency Management Agency, Red Cross, security agencies, and healthcare professionals who have been working collaboratively in search, rescue and resuscitation efforts.
“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 Governor, (Caleb) Mutfwang, has specifically instructed these hospitals to accommodate those affected by the collapse.”
According to the statement, the government equally emphasises the importance of adhering to established safety standards in building construction.
Citing Executive Order 003, the government urges schools and other facility owners with structural concerns to close their facilities immediately.
“The Jos Metropolitan Development Board will conduct inspections to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The commissioner said a thorough investigation into the cause of the collapsed building was underway.
