By Freelance Reporters, Jos
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Ahmed Dangiwa, has directed an immediate and comprehensive investigation to ascertain the cause of the collapse of the Saint Academy School building in the Busa Buji area of Plateau State on Friday,
A statement by the Minister described the collapse as yet another unfortunate tragedy for the nation due to the negligence and unscrupulous behavior of certain individuals during the construction process.
“Unfortunately, the issue of building collapse has once again reared its ugly head in our nation. This is unacceptable because every time something like this happens, there’s a mother or father who has lost a child, a child who has lost a parent, or an individual who has lost a sibling or friend”. The minister stated.
The statement gives an assurance that anyone found wanting in the cause of the incident would be brought to book.
It further reiterates its committed to ensuring that the incidence of building collapse is prevented in the future by collaborating with relevant agencies to enforce building standards and regulations in the country.
The statement expresses condolence to the family of the victims and prays God gives them the fortitude to bear the loss.
Dangiwa emphasized the ministry’s commitment to preventing future collapses by enforcing building standards and regulations, and gave the assurance that the investigation would be thorough, and that those found culpable would face prosecution.
Saint Academy closed indefinitely
The Plateau state governor, Caleb Mutfwang, ordered the immediate closure of the school.
The Governor gave the order on Saturday morning when he visited the site of the collapsed building, which saw 22 students killed and more than 130 injured.
The governor went round the school premises, with the principal and staff.
“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,” Muftwang said.
Bodies have been deposited in different mortuaries, while injured persons continue to receive life saving treatment, as Governor Muftwang directed priority to be given to the victims, regardless of documentation or payment.
Mutfwang also ordered the arrest of artisanal miners, mining around residential areas in the state.
President Bola Tinubu described the death of the 22 students as a huge loss to the nation, as well as a “devastating development—too excruciating to imagine.”
Radio Nigeria reported several people were killed and many injured when a two-storey building in Saint Academy Secondary School collapsed while students were writing their third term examination.
Freelance Reporters 