The Plateau State Government has confirmed 22 fatalities and 132 injuries following the collapse of Saint Academy in Busa Buji, Jos North Local Government Area.
The two-storey school building succumbed to structural failure at approximately half past eight on Friday morning, while students and teachers were engaged in lessons.
In a statement released late on Friday, Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Musa Ashoms, detailed the rescue efforts. "As of six o'clock this evening, 154 individuals have been extricated from the wreckage. Tragically, we must confirm the deaths of 22 others."
"Those injured, both students and staff, are currently receiving medical treatment at various hospitals across Jos."
Mr. Ashoms, having visited the collapse site earlier, reported that while the school has a student body of roughly 400, the affected section housed approximately 200 people. He confirmed that emergency responders transported the survivors to medical facilities.
To expedite medical attention, the commissioner elaborated, "the government has instructed all major hospitals in Jos to prioritise treatment of the victims, irrespective of documentation or ability to pay. Governor Barrister Mutfwang has specifically directed these hospitals to accommodate everyone impacted by the collapse."