Heartbreak in Nigeria: School crumbles on exam day, dozens dead

A devastating incident occurred on Friday in central Nigeria when a school building collapsed on students during exam sessions, resulting in at least 22 fatalities. The tragedy struck at Saint Academy in the Jos North district of Plateau State, where students were trapped under the rubble, some crying for help.

According to reports from the scene, emergency response teams, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and local volunteers, rushed to conduct search and rescue operations. NEMA confirmed several deaths but did not provide specific numbers immediately. Eyewitnesses and local residents, however, reported seeing multiple casualties. Chika Obioha, a resident, observed at least eight bodies at the site and noted that dozens were injured.

AFP correspondents noted significant activity in local hospitals: 11 bodies were seen at the Bingham University Teaching Hospital’s morgue and five at the Our Lady of Apostles Hospital, all victims wearing school uniforms. Additionally, at least 15 injured students were admitted for treatment. Wulliya Ibrahim, a student who survived the collapse, recounted the horrifying moment, saying, “I entered the class not more than five minutes when I heard a sound, and the next thing is I found myself here.”

The cause of the collapse is still under investigation, but local sources suggest it followed three days of heavy rainfall, which may have contributed to the structural failure. Building collapses are not uncommon in Nigeria, where enforcement of building standards is lax, and construction often involves substandard materials and practices. In recent years, Lagos alone has witnessed the collapse of over 150 buildings due to such issues, highlighting a nationwide challenge in infrastructure safety.

This incident has sparked an outcry for stricter enforcement of building regulations and increased oversight in construction practices across Nigeria. The repeated tragedies underline the urgent need for reforms to prevent further loss of life in preventable disasters.