Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on governments at all levels to prioritize the approval and supervision of buildings to prevent future tragedies like the recent school building collapse in Jos, Plateau State.
In response to the collapse of the two-storey building of Saints Academy, a secondary school in Busa Buji, Jos North, Atiku expressed his deep sorrow over the incident. The collapse, which occurred on Friday, resulted in about 200 students being trapped under the rubble, as confirmed by Plateau Commissioner for Information and Communication, Musa Ashoms.
Reacting to the heartbreaking news, Atiku described the incident as both tragic and heartrending. The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) extended his condolences to the families and friends of those who lost loved ones in the disaster.
“I am devastated by the tragic collapse of the two-storey secondary school building in the Busa-Buji area of Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, which claimed the lives of innocent students,” Atiku said. “It is even more heartrending that these students were writing exams when the disaster struck. My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who have lost their loved ones.”
Atiku urged governments to enhance their building control functions to prevent such occurrences in the future. “As we grieve the loss of these precious children, let this tragedy serve as a stark reminder for governments at all levels to prioritize the approval and supervision of buildings to ensure their safety and integrity. A thorough investigation must be conducted, and those responsible are held fully accountable under the law,” he emphasized.
This tragic event has highlighted the urgent need for stricter building regulations and oversight to ensure the safety of structures and protect lives.
