More Plateau schools risk collapse, governor says, inaugurates committee

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, on Monday, inaugurated an 11-member technical committee to unravel the remote and immediate causes of the building collapse at Saints Academy, Jos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a two-storey building of Saints Academy, a primary and secondary school located in the Busa-Buji community in Jos North Local Government Area, had collapsed, trapping students, teachers, and others.

The incident, which claimed 24 lives, with 132 persons sustaining injuries, occurred at about 8:30 a.m. on 12 July when the students were writing their third term examination.

Mr Mutfwang inaugurated the committee in Jos and tasked it with thoroughly investigating the causes of the tragedy.

The governor, who expressed a deep commitment to the safety of all state residents, urged the committee to examine the roles of all the individuals involved in the building’s construction and maintenance.

”It is imperative that we understand why this incident occurred, identify any lapses in duty and implement measures to prevent a recurrence.

“Reports indicate that around 12 other schools in the city are at the risk of collapse, and this calls for urgent action.

“We will continue to enforce necessary changes with compassion, avoiding unnecessary hardship for our people.

”However, we cannot compromise on the safety of innocent lives. The loss of 24 children is a grave reminder of the urgency of our mission,” he said.

The governor called on the public to provide any useful information towards the prevention of similar incidents in future.

READ ALSO: Saint Academy building collapse: Tears and lamentations not enough, By Abdullahi M. Gulloma

Chairman of the committee, Slim Matawal, thanked the governor for entrusting them with such a critical task, assuring him of their readiness to diligently work toward preventing future building collapse in the state.

NAN reports that other members of the committee are: Oke Ezema, Olusegun Olukoya, Daniel Sani, Michael Yibial, Rose Daffi, Barnabas Dafiel, Williams Habakkuk and ACP Dayyabu Ahmed, while Yakubu Mallo will serve as secretary.

(NAN)