Following the school’s collapse on Friday, July 12, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has ordered Saints Academy in Jos to close.
The school, which houses 145 primary and 284 secondary students, collapsed on Friday morning, killing 22 people and injuring 154 more.
In a statement on Saturday, the state’s commissioner of information, Musa Ashoms, verified the school’s closure.
According to Ashoms, Muftwang issued the directive while on a visit to the location of the fallen structure in the Busa Buji neighbourhood.
The commissioner continued by saying that the governor had also issued an order for the arrest of artisanal miners who worked in the state’s residential regions.
He said that Muftwang also expressed sympathy to the families of the children who had passed away and said that the state government would pay for the injured students’ medical care.
According to Ashoms, the state government has proclaimed a three-day period of mourning in the wake of the tragic event.
The announcement said, in part, “The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, has announced a three-day period of mourning from July 13 to July 15, 2024, in reaction to the unfortunate loss of lives and injuries incurred by teachers and pupils of Saints Academy Jos. All flags will fly at half-mast during this period in remembrance of the Jos school building disaster victims.
“Governor Mutfwang extends his heartfelt condolences to the families affected by this devastating incident and urges citizens to strictly follow building codes and ethics to prevent such tragedies. He emphasizes the need for all developers and property owners to submit their building plans to the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) for verification and revalidation, as part of the enforcement of Executive Order 003.
“We offer our deepest sympathies and unwavering support to those affected during this incredibly difficult time. We are dedicated to providing the best possible medical care for the injured and will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the collapse.
“The safety and well-being of our citizens, especially our children, is our top priority. We urge all schools to comply with safety regulations and secure the necessary approvals from the JMDB before beginning any construction projects.
“Governor Mutfwang also extends his deepest gratitude to the people of Plateau State for their tremendous support and solidarity in the wake of this tragedy. He thanks the first responders for their swift action and commends the many citizens who donated blood and other resources to aid the injured.”
“As of the time of this release, 58 individuals remain hospitalised, while the rest have been treated and discharged:
– Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH): 6
– Plateau State Specialist Hospital (PSSH): 6
– Bingham University Teaching Hospital (BhUTH): 14
– Our Lady of Apostles Hospital (OLA): 32
“A total of 74 persons have been discharged.”
