No fewer than 22 people have been confirmed dead and 132 injured in the Friday school building collapse in Jos, Plateau.

The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr Musa Ashoms, confirmed the figures in a statement in Jos.

Ashoms expressed government’s deepest condolences to families of victims of the tragic building collapse that occurred at Saint Academy Jos on Friday.

The commissioner stated that emergency responders were currently at the scene conducting search and rescue operations.

“As of 6:00 pm, 154 people have been removed from the debris.

Sadly, 22 individuals have died.

“The injured students and staff are receiving medical treatment at various hospitals across Jos.

“Breakdown of hospital admissions and casualties shows that 39 were hospitalised at Plateau State Specialist Hospital where three deaths were recorded.

“Our Lady of Apostles (OLA) Hospital had 32 hospitalised and five deaths; Bingham University Teaching Hospital: 55 hospitalised and 14 deaths.

“In Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), six were hospitalised and there was no death,” he said.

According to Ashoms, the state government activated emergency response protocols immediately upon notification of the incident.

He stated that emergency services, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Red Cross, security agencies, and healthcare professionals, were working collaboratively in the search, rescue, and resuscitation efforts.

He added that to ensure prompt medical attention, the government  directed all major hospitals in Jos to prioritise treatment of the victims, regardless of documentation or payment.

“Governor Caleb Mutfwang has specifically instructed these hospitals to accommodate all those affected by the collapse.

“The government emphasises the importance of adhering to established safety standards in building construction.

“In line with Executive Order 003, the government urges schools and other facility owners with structural concerns to close their facilities immediately.

“The Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) will conduct inspections to prevent similar incidents in the future,” he said.