At least 22 individuals, primarily students, have been confirmed dead following the collapse of a two-story school building in the Busa Buji community of Plateau State, Nigeria.
The incident, which occurred on Friday morning, has left rescuers scrambling to locate more than 100 people believed to be trapped in the rubble of Saints Academy College.
Authorities reported that the building caved in shortly after students, many aged 15 and younger, arrived for the day’s classes.
In the immediate aftermath, 154 students were trapped, but by Saturday, Plateau police spokesperson Alfred Alabo announced that 132 had been rescued and are currently receiving medical attention in various hospitals across the region.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) of Nigeria provided updates via social media, confirming that 30 people remain hospitalized as a result of the disaster.
Initial media reports had suggested that at least 12 fatalities were recorded, but subsequent assessments revealed a much higher toll.
Rescue efforts were intensified as heavy machinery was deployed to comb through the debris while onlookers gathered, some visibly distraught.
One woman was notably seen weeping and attempting to approach the site, a poignant illustration of the community’s grief and desperation.
In a statement regarding the rescue efforts, Plateau State’s Commissioner for Information, Musa Ashoms, emphasized that hospitals have been instructed to prioritize the treatment of victims without the requirement for documentation or payment, ensuring immediate medical assistance for those in need.
The tragic collapse has raised serious concerns about the structural integrity of the school building, with officials from the Plateau State government attributing the disaster to a “weak structure and its location near a riverbank.”
In light of this incident, they have urged schools that share similar vulnerabilities to close until safety evaluations can be completed. Building collapses are tragically not uncommon in Nigeria, which has witnessed more than a dozen similar incidents over the past two years.
Authorities frequently cite the failure to enforce building safety regulations, the use of substandard construction materials, and inadequate maintenance as contributing factors to these disasters.
The incident has sparked outrage among the community and calls for stricter enforcement of building regulations to prevent future tragedies.
Local leaders and activists have begun advocating for greater accountability in the construction industry, demanding immediate governmental action to ensure the safety of educational institutions and their students.
As the recovery efforts continue, the emotional toll on families and the wider community remains profound. With many still unaccounted for, the search for survivors underscores a tragic chapter in Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with infrastructure safety.
The collapse of Saints Academy stands as a somber reminder of the urgent need for reform and vigilance in building standards across the nation.
As investigations unfold, the hope remains that such a devastating event will lead to meaningful change, safeguarding the lives of future generations.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
