Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has expressed his condolences to the people and government of Plateau State following the tragic incident where a school building collapsed, resulting in deaths and injuries.
The unfortunate event occurred at Saint Academy in Jos, Plateau State, on Friday, claiming the lives of several school children and leaving others trapped under the rubble.
In a statement on Friday, Obaseki conveyed his sorrow over the incident, describing it as disheartening that children died where they had gone to seek knowledge for a better future.
The governor emphasised the devastating nature of the news, stating, “It is indeed a devastating news, and I commiserate with families of those who lost their lives. Our prayers are also with those trapped under the rubble as emergency responders battle to rescue them.”
Obaseki extended his wishes for a quick recovery to those injured in the collapse. He referred to the incident as a really dark day and offered prayers for the deceased.
Speaking on behalf of the Edo State government and its people, the governor said, “I extend heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Plateau State as well as the families of the victims and the injured.”
PUNCH Online reports that the school building collapsed around 8.30 am on Friday when the students and teachers were in their classes.
The state Commissioner for Information, Musa Ashoms, disclosed in a statement on Friday that 120 persons were trapped under the rubbles while giving an update on the incident.
The statement read, “The Plateau State Government has expressed deep sadness over the tragic incident at Saint Academy Jos, where a building collapsed resulting in casualties and injured students and teachers still being evacuated to different hospitals within Jos.”
Giving an update on the number of casualties late Friday, Ashoms said that the death toll has increased from 17 to 22 while 154 persons suffered different degrees of injuries.