The collapse of Saint Academy in the Busa Buji community of Jos has plunged Plateau State into deep sorrow and mourning. On a seemingly ordinary Friday morning, the school’s structure gave way around 8:30 am, transforming a place of learning into a scene of devastation. With 17 confirmed deaths and over 120 individuals initially trapped, the incident has raised urgent questions about safety and responsibility.
A Tragedy Foretold
The collapse was not just a tragic accident but a failure that could have been prevented. The weak structure of the building and its precarious location near a riverbank are glaring oversights that demand accountability. The Plateau State Commissioner for Information, Musa Ashoms, expressed the government’s deep sadness over the incident, emphasizing that such tragedies should never happen if proper safety standards are followed.
Rescue Efforts and Immediate Response
As the news broke, rescue teams from NEMA, SEMA, the Red Cross, and security agencies sprang into action. Their efforts have been commendable, pulling out survivors and evacuating the injured to various hospitals across Jos. However, the scene remains harrowing, with the rescue mission revealing the stark reality of the disaster: lives lost, futures shattered, and a community left in shock.
The state government has ordered hospitals to prioritize the treatment of the injured, waiving documentation and payment requirements to ensure that every life can be saved. The Commissioner of Health has mandated that all major hospitals in Jos attend to the victims urgently, underscoring the scale of the crisis.
Voices from the Frontlines
The Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, Sunday Àbdu, shared the grim statistics from their rescue operation: 17 lives lost, with many more receiving treatment in hospitals. The fluctuating casualty figures paint a picture of ongoing anguish as families await news of their loved ones. Àbdu’s words convey the collective grief: “We have finished the rescue mission at least for today. The fact remains that the casualty figures keep changing.”
Holding Accountability
In the wake of this tragedy, the importance of adhering to safety standards has never been more critical. Commissioner Ashoms highlighted Executive Order 003, which mandates the closure of schools with similar structural issues. The Jos Metropolitan Development Board is now tasked with a crucial mission: to prevent future incidents by ensuring all schools comply with safety regulations.
A Call for Change
The collapse of Saint Academy is a poignant reminder of the stakes involved when safety is compromised. It is a call to action for stringent enforcement of building codes and a wake-up call for communities and authorities to prioritize the safety of our children. As Plateau State mourns, let this tragedy serve as a catalyst for change, driving the commitment to safer, more secure educational environments.
In times of such profound loss, words often fall short. Yet, the heartbreak in Jos must lead to a resolve: never again should a place of learning become a site of such sorrow.
ALSO READ: Understanding the Causes of Ulcers: Is Hunger Really to Blame?
