Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has declared a three-day mourning and ordered the closure of Saints Academy in Jos after the school collapsed on Friday, killing over 22 persons.
The state’s Commissioner for Information, Musa Ashoms, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.
Ashoms said all flags will be flown at half-mast to honour the victims.
The statement read in part, “In response to the tragic loss of lives and injuries sustained by teachers and students of Saints Academy Jos, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, has declared a three-day period of mourning from July 13 to July 15, 2024. During this time, all flags will be flown at half-mast to honour the victims of the school building collapse in Jos.
“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.”
Out of the 154 persons initially hospitalised, 74 have been treated and discharged, added Ashoms.
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC), in a statement signed by Felix Morka, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, commiserated with victims of the collapsed school building.
“We send our heartfelt condolences to the families of the innocent lives lost and best wishes for speedy recovery to those injured by the tragic incident.
“The incident is unbearably heartbreaking as the children and adults killed and injured were in the place they were supposed to be, in school, doing exactly what was expected of them.
“We urge the Plateau state government to enforce building control standards more vigorously in order to guarantee safety and prevent a reoccurrence of a tragedy of this kind.
“We commend the emergency response led by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and other agencies, including medical personnel that conducted the rescue, evacuation and treatment of victims of this horrific incident.
“May God grant the departed eternal rest and may He comfort the families they left behind. Amen,” read a statement issued by the party.