Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has taken decisive action in response to the tragic collapse of the Saint Academy School building, which resulted in the deaths of 22 individuals and injuries to 132 others. The governor announced the immediate closure of the school and ordered a thorough investigation into the incident.
During his visit to the collapsed building site, Governor Mutfwang emphasized the importance of safety over profit. He stated, “It is unfortunate what has happened, but of course, what it means is that 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. The motive for profit must not overshadow the safety of lives.” He also ordered a technical audit of all schools in the state to assess their structural integrity and ensure they are safe for habitation.
The building collapse occurred on Friday morning while classes were in session. According to the Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Musa Ashoms, 154 people were rescued from the debris, with 22 confirmed deceased. The injured students and staff are receiving treatment at various hospitals in Jos, including Plateau State Specialist Hospital, Our Lady of Apostles Hospital, Bingham University Teaching Hospital, and Jos University Teaching Hospital. The government has directed all major hospitals in Jos to prioritize the treatment of the victims, regardless of documentation or payment, and promised to cover the cost of their treatment.
Governor Mutfwang, who conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the situation, lamented the poor construction standards of the collapsed building. “Whoever built this school did not do well. I am not a technical person, but all I can see on this debris is sand. It is a two-storey building, and as a layman, I know there has to be a proper mixture of sand and cement, but what I can see here is pure sand. You have endangered the lives of innocent children for no reason. We can’t continue like this; it is no longer time to spend time praying against demons and Satan; this is human negligence.”
The governor also criticized public officials responsible for supervising building constructions for failing in their duties. He announced the establishment of a committee to investigate the incident and bring building professionals to examine the collapse. “We are setting up a committee to investigate this incident and bring in building professionals to investigate this, and anyone found culpable will face the wrath of the law. This is why we signed Executive Order 003 to bring sanity into the environment.”
Governor Mutfwang further stressed the need to enforce building regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future. “When we insist that some buildings be demolished, we are not wicked; we are concerned about the safety of lives. When we see buildings on waterways, in marshy places, we will bring them down. We can’t afford to have this kind of mishap again. May God grant the parents of the deceased the fortitude to bear the loss and grant the injured a quick recovery.”
Governor Mutfwang’s response to this tragedy emphacized the urgent need for stricter enforcement of building standards and the prioritization of safety over profit in Plateau State. The state government’s commitment to covering the medical expenses of the injured and ensuring prompt treatment reflects its dedication to supporting the affected families during this difficult time.