21 People Die in School Collapse in Jos, Nigeria

A tragic incident occurred in Jos, Nigeria, where a school building collapsed during an exam, resulting in the deaths of 21 people and the hospitalization of 30 others. The collapse happened in a two-story building in the capital of Plateau State.

Details of the Incident

According to Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), approximately 120 people were initially trapped when the building crumbled. The exact number of students among the deceased has not been specified.

Governor’s Response

Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang expressed deep sympathy for the families of the students and staff from St. Academy School who were affected. The Plateau State government described the incident as preventable, citing concerns over the school’s weak infrastructure and its location near a riverbank.

Emergency Measures

Local hospitals have been instructed to provide treatment to the victims without requiring documentation or payment. Authorities have also called for the closure of other schools facing similar safety risks in the region.

Underlying Issues

Building collapses in Nigeria are often attributed to lax construction standards and the use of substandard materials.