The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has decried the loss of lives in the school that collapsed in Plateau State on Friday, saying the tragedy was avoidable.
NEMA Director General, Zubaida Umar, who visited the school two days after the incident, stated that engaging professionals in buildings will save the disaster that led to the loss of lives at the secondary school.
She also said: “I decided to come myself because it is such a huge and avoidable loss. It is something that could have been totally avoidable.
“It is a lesson for all of us that we need to get all developers to adhere to building codes and the plans and ensure the right thing is done.”
22 Confirmed Dead
Friday’s incident is the latest in the series of building collapses that have plagued several parts of the nation recently.
According to the Plateau State Government, 22 persons died and 132 persons were injured after the school collapsed in the Busa Buji, Jos North Local Government Area of the state.
The state governor Caleb Mutfwang who visited the scene of the incident ordered the closure of the school, warning proprietors not to jeopardise the safety of children, parents and teachers.
He also commiserated with the families of the dead victims, wishing quick recovery to those who were injured.
Just like the governor, the NEMA boss expressed sincere condolence to the victims of the unfortunate incident.
“We are here to commiserate with you and to also pray that the young lives we have lost that their souls will rest in perfect peace and all others that are in the hospital, may God heal them. We pray that this will not happen (again),” she added.
Umar also thanked the Nigeria Red Cross, the Fire Services, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) as well as locals for their timely intervention to the issue.
