Building Collapse: 58 Students Still Hospitalised As Gov Mutfwang Declares 3-Day Mourning

• At least 58 students rescued from the collapsed school building in Jos, Plateau State, remain hospitalized, while 74 others have been treated and discharged
• Governor Mutfwang declared three days of mourning from July 13 to July 15, 2024, and urged citizens to adhere to building codes and ethics to prevent such tragedies

At least 58 students rescued from the collapsed school building in Jos, Plateau State, remain hospitalized as of Saturday, while 74 others have been treated and discharged. The tragedy at Saints Academy, a secondary school in Jos, resulted in 22 fatalities and 132 injuries when the building collapsed on Friday morning during the students’ third term examinations.

The following statistics provide insight into the current status of those affected:

• Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH): Six patients were treated and discharged.
• Plateau State Specialist Hospital (PSSH): Six patients were discharged.
• Bingham University Teaching Hospital (BhUTH): 14 patients discharged.
• Our Lady of Apostles Hospital (OLA): 32 patients discharged.

The governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang has declared three days of mourning from July 13 to July 15, 2024. To honour the victims, all flags will be flown at half-mast.

In a statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon Musa Ashom, Governor Mutfwang extended his heartfelt condolences to the families affected by the incident. He urged citizens to adhere to building codes and ethics to prevent such tragedies. He emphasized the importance of submitting building plans to the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) for verification and revalidation to enforce Executive Order 003.

“We offer our deepest sympathies and unwavering support to those affected during this difficult time. We are dedicated to providing the best possible medical care for the injured and will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the collapse,” the statement read.

The Governor emphasized that the safety and well-being of citizens, especially children, are top priorities. He urged all schools to comply with safety regulations and secure necessary JMDB approvals before beginning construction projects.

Governor Mutfwang also expressed gratitude to the people of Plateau State for their tremendous support and solidarity in the wake of the tragedy. He thanked first responders for their swift action and commended citizens who donated blood and other resources to assist the injured.