From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has condoled with Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang and the affected families of the school building collapse in Busa Buji community, resulting in the loss of 22 lives and leaving 132 individuals injured.
The incident took place at the Saints Academy College in the Jos North district, where students were in class at the time.
Chairman of NGF and Governor, of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on behalf of members of the Forum pledged to support the Plateau State Government in providing necessary assistance and addressing any lapses to prevent future occurrences.
“The Nigeria Governors’ Forum stands in solidarity with the people of Plateau and the affected families during this difficult time. We commend the swift response of the rescue teams and the efforts of the state government in managing this crisis.”
In a statement released by NGF’s Acting Head of Media, Halimah Ahmed, the governors said that safety in schools remains a paramount concern, and the authorities are committed to taking immediate steps to address this issue.
The governors added: “As the State Government continues to provide support and comfort to the affected families, the NGF is ready to support efforts to help mitigate the impact of this tragedy and prevent future occurrences.
“Safety in our schools is paramount, and we must take immediate steps to address any lapses. We are committed to supporting Plateau State in providing necessary assistance to the affected families.
“May the Almighty grant the families the strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with Governor Mutfwang, the Busa Buji community, and the entire Plateau State during this difficult time.”
The Plateau State Government attributed the collapse to “weak structure and unsafe location near a riverbank” of the school building.
Rescue efforts were immediately launched, with emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency, State Emergency Management Agency, Red Cross, and security agencies, working collaboratively to search, rescue, and provide medical attention to the victims.