GOVERNOR MUTFWANG INAUGURATES TECHNICAL COMMITTEE ON SAINTS ACADEMY BUILDING COLLAPSE, VOWS TO AVERT FURTHER INCIDENTS IN THE STATE

In an effort to prevent future building collapses in Plateau State, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has inaugurated a Technical Committee to investigate the recent collapse of the Saints Academy Jos two-storey building. The tragic event claimed the lives of students and staff and left many others injured.

At the inauguration of the Committee at the Twin Theatre, New Government House Little Rayfield, Jos, Governor Mutfwang tasked the Committee to thoroughly investigate the causes of the collapse and examining the roles of all individuals involved in the construction and maintenance of the building.

Governor Mutfwang explained that the investigation is crucial to preventing similar tragedies in the future. He stated, "It is imperative that we understand why this incident occurred, identify any lapses in duty, and implement measures to prevent a recurrence. Reports indicate that around 12 other schools in the city are at risk of collapse, which necessitates urgent action."

The Governor expressed his commitment to implementing stringent measures to ensure the safety and integrity of buildings across the state. He remarked, "We will continue to enforce necessary changes with compassion, avoiding unnecessary hardship for our people. However, we cannot compromise on the safety of innocent lives. The loss of 24 children is a grave reminder of the urgency of our mission."

Governor Mutfwang also directed the Secretary to the State Government to broaden the committee's mandate to include the burnt Jos Main Market, where reports suggest that the remaining structure is also at risk of collapse. He urged the committee to investigate the demolition process, the handling of materials, and the steps needed to ensure public safety.

The Governor called on the public to provide any information that could help prevent future building collapses in the state.

Prof. Slim Matawal, the Committee's Chairman, expressed gratitude to the Governor for entrusting them with the critical task. He assured that the committee would diligently work to prevent future building collapses in the state.

The members of the committee are:

- Prof. Slim Matawal, Chairman

- Engr. Oke Ezema, Member

- Arc. Olusegun Olukoya, Member

- Bldr. Daniel Sani (NOIB), Member

- Arc. Michael Yibial (ARCON), Member

- Engr. Dr. Mrs. Rose E. Daffi (COREN), Member

- Arc. Barnabas Dafiel (JMDB), Member

- Barr. Williams Habakkuk (MOJ), Member

- ACP Dayyabu Ahmed (NPF), Member

- Mr. Yakubu I. Mallo (Director Administration, OSGS), Secretary

 Bere Gyang 

Director of Press and Public Affairs  

to the Executive Governor of Plateau State  

July 22, 2024.

PLATEAU STATE GOVERNOR BARR. CALEB MUTFWANG COMMISERATES WITH FAMILIES OF STUDENTS OF ST. ACADEMY JOS WHO DIED IN A TWO-STOREY SCHOOL BUILDING COLLAPSE

PLATEAU STATE GOVERNOR COMMISERATES WITH FAMILIES OF STUDENTS OF ST. ACADEMY JOS WHO DIED IN A TWO-STOREY SCHOOL BUILDING COLLAPSE

Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has expressed deep sympathy to the families of students and staff of St. Academy School, Jos, who perished in the collapse of a two-storey school building behind St. Murumba, Busa Buji, in Jos North Local Government Area of the state.

Governor Mutfwang received the heartbreaking news with grief and sorrow, describing the tragedy as unfortunate and untimely. He stated that nothing can be more painful and heart-wrenching than this gloomy situation.

The Governor appreciated the timely intervention of the search and rescue team, as well as members of the public who rushed to the school premises to assist in evacuating some of the surviving students and staff.

He directed the relevant government agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Plateau State Emergency Management Agency, to provide necessary support to the surviving victims of the building collapse.

Governor Mutfwang expressed deep regret that the students were trapped while writing their promotion examination and extended his condolences to the grieving mothers who lost their children in the unfortunate incident.

Highlighting the significance and broader purpose of Executive Order 003, recently signed into law, Governor Mutfwang clarified that its intent is to safeguard citizens from such disasters, prevent Jos from deteriorating into a slum, and ensure compliance with building regulations in line with the Greater Jos Master Plan.

Governor Mutfwang stated that words cannot fully comfort the grieving families over their immense loss. He prayed that the God of all comfort will continue to console and uphold them during this difficult period.

He prayed that the Almighty God will grant the families, the school, and the extended community the fortitude to endure this irreplaceable loss, and that His consoling presence will bring solace in these trying times.

Gyang Bere  

Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State  

July 12th, 2024.