By Chijioke Kingsley
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, has condoled with the families of children who lost their lives in a collapsed school two-storey building in Jos on Friday.
Our correspondent had reported that a two-storey building belonging to St. Academy in Jos North Local Government Area, collapsed in the morning hours, while students were writing their exams, a tragic incident that killed over seven children.
Mutfwang, however, in a statement on Friday, signed by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Mr. Gyang Bere, expressed deep condolence to the bereaved families, describing the incident as unfortunate.
He urged people to cooperate with officials working on rescue efforts, and also salute the courage and efforts of the State rescue team who has been on ground since the incident occurred to rescue trapped students.
According to the statement: “I received the heartbreaking news with grief and sorrow. This is unfortunate and untimely.
“Nothing can be more painful and heart-wrenching than this gloomy situation.
“I appreciate the timely intervention of the search and rescue team, as well as members of the public who rushed to the school premises to assist in evacuating some of the surviving students and staff”, he said.
Bere added that the Governor has directed the relevant government agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Plateau State Emergency Management Agency, to continue to provide the necessary support to the surviving victims of the building collapse.
“It is regrettable that the students were trapped while writing their promotion examination. My condolences also go to the grieving parents who lost their children in the unfortunate incident”.
The Governor highlights the significance and broader purpose of Executive Order 003, recently signed into law, clarifying that its intent is to safeguard citizens from such disasters, prevent Jos from deteriorating into a slum, and ensure compliance with building regulations in line with the Greater Jos Master Plan.
“Words cannot fully comfort the grieving families over their immense loss. I prayed that the God of all comfort will continue to console and uphold them during this difficult period.
“I also prayed that the Almighty God will grant the families, the school, and the extended community the fortitude to endure this irreplaceable loss, and that His consoling presence will bring solace in these trying times”, the statement reads.
