(Scypre.com) – A devastating incident unfolded on Friday morning in north-central Nigeria when a two-story school building collapsed during classes, resulting in the tragic deaths of 22 students. This heartbreaking event occurred at Saints Academy in the Busa Buji community of Plateau State, shortly after many students, primarily aged 15 and under, had arrived for their day of learning.
Initially, reports indicated that a total of 154 students were trapped under the rubble. However, as rescue operations progressed, Plateau police spokesperson Alfred Alabo confirmed that 132 students had been successfully rescued and were receiving medical treatment at various local hospitals. Tragically, the death toll rose as officials assessed the aftermath, surpassing earlier estimates that had suggested at least 12 fatalities.
In the immediate vicinity of the school, a somber crowd of villagers gathered, many overcome with grief. Some were seen weeping, while others desperately sought ways to assist in the rescue efforts as excavators worked tirelessly to sift through the debris of the collapsed structure. One woman was observed crying out and attempting to approach the wreckage, only to be held back by others concerned for her safety.
The National Emergency Management Agency of Nigeria quickly mobilized rescue and health workers, along with security forces, to the site to initiate a search for any remaining students trapped beneath the rubble. “To ensure prompt medical attention, the government has instructed hospitals to prioritize treatment without documentation or payment,” stated Musa Ashoms, the commissioner for information in Plateau State, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Officials have attributed the tragedy to the school’s “weak structure” and its precarious location near a riverbank. In light of this incident, the state government has called for schools with similar structural concerns to shut down immediately to prevent further tragedies.
Building collapses have unfortunately become increasingly common in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation. Over the past two years, the country has recorded more than a dozen such incidents, often linked to the inadequate enforcement of building safety regulations and poor maintenance practices. This latest disaster has intensified calls for reform and increased oversight to prevent future catastrophes.
As rescue efforts continue, the community remains in mourning, grappling with the loss of young lives and the search for answers regarding the conditions that led to this heart-wrenching incident.