A devastating incident unfolded in north-central Nigeria on Friday as a two-storey school building collapsed during class hours, resulting in the tragic death of at least 22 students. Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency reported that 154 students were initially trapped, but 132 have since been rescued and are receiving treatment for injuries across various hospitals.
The collapse occurred at Saints Academy College in the Busa Buji community of Pathari state, shortly after classes had commenced. Most of the students, aged 15 years or younger, were present at the time of the incident.
Immediate response efforts were mobilized by Nigeria’s emergency services, deploying security personnel, rescue teams, and healthcare workers to the scene. State Information Commissioner Musa Asholms emphasized the government’s directive to hospitals to prioritize treatment without bureaucratic hurdles.
Concerns have been raised about the structural integrity of the school building, situated near a riverbank, which may have contributed to the tragic event. Calls are mounting for the closure of schools facing similar safety issues. Villagers swiftly rallied to assist in rescue operations, demonstrating a community-wide response amidst the heart-wrenching scene.