Today, Governor Caleb Johnson visited the survivors of the Saint Academy School building collapse in Busa Buji, Jos North Local Government Area. The tragic incident, which claimed the lives of students and staff, is a profound loss for the community, Muchee News reports.
In a somber address, Governor Johnson extended his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and expressed his heartfelt thanks to NEMA, SEMA, the Nigerian Red Cross, and the residents of Plateau State for their swift response, which prevented further casualties. He acknowledged the bravery and quick actions of the first responders and local community members who rushed to the scene, emphasizing the importance of unity and collective effort in times of crisis.
Upon inspecting the site of the collapse, Governor Johnson ordered the immediate closure of the school due to its substandard structural integrity. “It is unacceptable that our children and educators were placed in such danger. We must ensure that all educational institutions meet the highest safety standards to prevent such devastating incidents in the future,” he said. In an effort to prevent similar tragedies, he has also banned all mining activities in the Jos-Bukuru Metropolis, citing concerns over their impact on structural stability in the area, and directed the police to enforce this order strictly.
The Governor’s visit included stops at Bingham University Teaching Hospital and Our Lady of Apostles Hospital (OLA), where he met with survivors of the collapse. He expressed his wishes for their speedy recovery and commended the medical teams for their dedication and care. “The resilience and courage shown by the survivors and the medical staff are truly inspiring. We are committed to providing all necessary support for their recovery,” Governor Johnson stated.
Governor Johnson also used the occasion to urge residents in flood-prone areas to evacuate and emphasized the need for proper building plan approvals from the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB). “Ensuring the safety of our buildings starts with adhering to approved construction plans and regulations. We cannot afford to overlook these critical steps,” he remarked. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to thorough investigations of the incident, vowing to hold those responsible accountable. “We are committed to investigating this incident thoroughly. Our goal is to ensure safety and compliance with regulations to prevent future occurrences. Public schools will also be inspected to uphold structural integrity,” he added.
Governor Johnson called on the people of Plateau State to support the affected families during this difficult time. “This is a moment for our community to come together, to offer support and prayers for the affected families. We must show them that they are not alone and that we stand with them in solidarity,” he urged. He thanked the citizens for their compassion and resilience, and assured them that measures would be taken to prevent such incidents from recurring.
“Thank you for your solidarity and compassion during this challenging period. Together, we will overcome this tragedy and work towards a safer future for all,” he concluded.
Muchee News will continue to provide updates as the situation develops, ensuring that the community remains informed and supported during this difficult time.
