The Federal Government of Nigeria has ordered a thorough investigation into the recent collapse of the Saint Academy School building (a three-story building) in the Busa Buji area of Plateau State, which tragically claimed over 20 lives and injured many students. The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, emphasised the gravity of the situation, calling the collapse "unacceptable" and a result of negligence.
Dangiwa, in a statement by his spokesman, Mark Chieshe, ordered an immediate and full investigation into the school collapse, urging the Plateau State Controller of the ministry to uncover the cause of the disaster and hold anyone responsible accountable.
Expressing deep sadness, the minister referred to the school collapse as another national tragedy caused by carelessness and unethical conduct during construction.
He said, This is not permitted because every time something like this occurs, there’s a mother or father who has lost a child, a child who has lost a parent, or an individual who has lost a sibling or friend. The cost of a building collapse cannot be measured because lives are involved.
The minister emphasised the particular tragedy of the school collapse. He said these innocent students, who were simply seeking education, lost their lives. This unacceptable event demands a thorough investigation, and unlike past inquiries, this one will hold those responsible accountable.
"An investigation is underway, and we will uncover the truth behind this tragedy. I want to promise Nigerians that this inquiry will not go the same way as others in the past, where nobody was prosecuted for wrongdoing. We will punish anyone responsible for this disaster to the fullest extent of the law. While it won't bring back the victims, it will hopefully prevent similar tragedies in the future".
A report by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) revealed that over 40 students were rescued from the collapsed building, and many are still being treated in hospitals around Jos.
