Rita Odafe
The tragic events of July 12 at Saints Academy in Jos North have left an indelible mark on the community, especially the families impacted by the building collapse.
While students were preparing for exams and the end of the school year, the two-storey building suddenly collapsed, claiming 22 lives and injuring 132 individuals among the school’s 429 students.
One parent, Mrs. Saleh, shared the devastating loss of her two children, while another parent, Joy Chinecherem, expressed gratitude for her children’s safety but grieved for those who perished.
Personal Testimonies
One teacher, Mrs. Kelvin, recounted her miraculous escape through a window as the school building crumbled around her. She described the harrowing experience of the collapse and the chaotic moments that followed.
Investigations and Accountability
As investigations into the structural integrity of the building continue, government officials have closed the school and called for thorough examinations of similar structures in the area.
Professor Samson Duna of the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute highlighted the use of substandard materials in the construction and emphasized the need for accountability in ensuring such tragedies are not repeated.
The institute, along with a committee led by Professor Frederick Job, aims to uncover the causes of the collapse and hold those responsible accountable for the loss of life.
Sources: Vanguard
