On Friday morning, the Saints Academy in Jos, Plateau state, north-central Nigeria, witnessed a devastating incident that would change the lives of many forever. A three-story school building collapsed, claiming the lives of at least 22 students and injuring over 130 others.
The Saints Academy, a private school in Jos, had been operating for several years, providing education to hundreds of students. However, concerns about the school’s infrastructure and safety had been raised by parents and teachers in the past. Despite these warnings, the school continued to operate, and the tragic incident occurred.
Eyewitnesses described the moment the building collapsed as “chaotic” and “horrific.” The three-story structure came crashing down, trapping students and staff members under the rubble. Rescue efforts were launched immediately, with emergency responders and volunteers working tirelessly to extricate those trapped.
The incident resulted in the loss of at least 22 young lives, with over 130 others injured, some critically. The rescue operation was challenging due to the severity of the collapse and the school’s location near a riverbank. Despite these challenges, rescue teams worked tirelessly to retrieve those trapped, with many students and staff members receiving medical attention.
The government has launched an investigation into the incident, promising to take measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. The government has also announced plans to conduct a comprehensive audit of school infrastructure across the state to ensure that all schools are safe and structurally sound.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the collapse was likely caused by a combination of factors, including a weak structure, poor maintenance, and the school’s proximity to the riverbank, which may have compromised the foundation.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and grief across Nigeria, with many calling for improved infrastructure and safety measures in schools. Parents, teachers, and students have demanded that the government take concrete steps to ensure that all schools are safe and secure.