Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang has ordered the immediate closure of Saint Academy, Busa Buji, Jos, following a building collapse that killed 22 pupils and injured 132 others on Friday, July 12, 2024.
Governor Mutfwang visited the scene of the incident on Saturday morning and directed the shutdown of the school.
He also ordered the arrest of artisanal miners operating around residential areas in the state.
Governor Mutfwang, who was out of town when the incident occurred, cut short his trip and returned to Jos to visit the scene and the victims in various hospitals.
He expressed condolences to the families of the deceased children and promised that the state government would bear the cost of treating the injured students.
The building collapse has been attributed to a weak structure and unsafe location near a riverbank.
The Plateau State Government has emphasized the importance of adhering to established safety standards in building construction, citing Executive Order 003.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, with 154 people rescued from the debris so far.
The government has directed hospitals to prioritize the treatment of the victims, regardless of documentation or payment.