The School Collapse in Northern Nigeria Killed 22 Students

Photo : AP

Tragedy struck the Saints Academy college in Nigeria's Plateau state when a two-story building collapsed during morning classes, claiming the lives of 22 students and leaving more than 100 others trapped in the rubble. The incident occurred in the Busa Buji community, with many of the victims being 15 years old or younger.

Rescue efforts were immediately launched, and authorities managed to rescue 132 students who sustained injuries. They were swiftly transported to various hospitals for treatment. The Plateau police spokesman, Alfred Alabo, confirmed the heartbreaking death toll of 22 students.

Emergency response teams, including rescue workers, healthcare professionals, and security forces, rushed to the scene to assist. Nigeria's National Emergency Management Agency coordinated efforts to manage the crisis and provide urgent medical attention to the injured.

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In response to the disaster, the Plateau state government directed hospitals to prioritize medical care for the injured students without requiring documentation or payment. Musa Ashoms, the Commissioner for Information, emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring swift and comprehensive support for the victims and their families.

The state government attributed the collapse to the school's "weak structure and location near a riverbank" and urged other institutions facing similar structural concerns to suspend operations pending safety assessments. The tragedy prompted an outpouring of grief from the local community, with villagers gathering near the site to offer assistance and support.

Building collapses have unfortunately become frequent in Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, with several incidents reported in recent years. Authorities often attribute such disasters to inadequate enforcement of building safety regulations and poor maintenance practices, highlighting systemic challenges in infrastructure management and public safety oversight.