At Least 200 Students Trapped in Collapsed School Building in Jos – Plateau Commissioner

In a tragic incident in Jos, Plateau State, a secondary school building collapsed on Friday, leaving over 200 students trapped inside. The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Musa Ashoms, confirmed the incident and assured that urgent rescue efforts are underway.

The collapse occurred while students were taking their third-term examinations. Mr. Ashoms, accompanied by other commissioners, including those from secondary education, visited the scene to assess the situation. He reported that the school had a total population of around 400 students, with the collapsed section housing approximately 200 of them.

“The collapsed building has resulted in casualties, and injured students are still being evacuated to hospitals,” said Ashoms. “We cannot ascertain the exact number of casualties until the evacuation is completed.”

Emergency workers are currently engaged in rescue operations, striving to save as many lives as possible. Governor Caleb Mutfwang has directed medical personnel to prioritize the care of survivors without concern for payment, emphasizing the emergency nature of the situation.

This incident has highlighted the necessity of enforcing the state’s Greater Jos Master Plan, as emphasized by Ashoms. The collapsed building, located on a waterlogged area, failed to meet construction standards, underscoring the urgent need for adherence to proper building regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future.