The death toll from the school building collapse in Jos, Plateau State, has increased to 22. The tragic incident occurred at Saint Academy in Busa Buji community, Jos North Local Government Area, on Friday morning. Initially, 17 deaths were reported, but the number rose after further rescue operations.
The state Commissioner for Information, Musa Ashoms, confirmed the updated figures in a statement on Friday night. He revealed that 154 people suffered various degrees of injuries. The government expressed its deepest condolences and highlighted the ongoing search and rescue efforts by emergency responders.
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Hospitals across Jos are treating the injured. The Plateau State Specialist Hospital has 39 hospitalized patients and three deaths, Our Lady of Apostles Hospital has 32 hospitalized and five deaths, Bingham University Teaching Hospital has 55 hospitalized and 14 deaths, and Jos University Teaching Hospital has six hospitalized with no fatalities. In total, 132 individuals are hospitalized, with a death toll of 22.
The government has emphasized the importance of adhering to safety standards in building construction. Inspections by the Jos Metropolitan Development Board will be conducted to prevent similar incidents. President Bola Tinubu and Governor Caleb Mutfwang have both expressed deep sympathy for the affected families, describing the tragedy as a significant loss to the nation.
