A tragic incident unfolded in Jos, Plateau State, last Friday, July 12, 2024, when the school building of Saint Academy in Busa Buji community collapsed, claiming the life of 15-year-old Chidera Onovo. His mother, Blessing Onovo, still mourns her son, remembering him fondly as a caring sibling who would save his lunch money to buy biscuits for his younger sister, Chisom, and always checked on his mother’s well-being.
Chidera, a budding artist, left for school that fateful Friday morning alongside Chisom, but never returned home. His father, Chike, experienced relief when Chisom was rescued from the rubble but anguish over the fate of his son. Chidera’s lifeless body was discovered in his classroom on the first floor, amidst the tragic aftermath of the building’s collapse at 8:30 am. This devastating incident occurred during regular school hours, trapping 154 individuals under debris and claiming 22 lives.
The Federal Government’s investigative panel highlighted structural distress and the use of substandard materials in the school building, factors contributing to the collapse. Victor Dennis, another parent, mourned the loss of his son Emmanuel, underscoring the profound grief and disbelief felt by families affected by this tragedy. Emmanuel’s mother remained inconsolable, highlighting the emotional toll on those left behind.
Survivors recounted harrowing experiences from hospital beds, recalling how the collapse plunged them into darkness and chaos, with some expressing concerns raised prior to the incident being disregarded. The community, reeling from the loss, received support from Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who ordered the school’s closure and crackdown on nearby artisanal mining activities. The state government declared a three-day mourning period as a mark of respect for the victims.
Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, called for an urgent investigation into the collapse, emphasizing accountability for those responsible. The aftermath of this tragedy has prompted soul-searching and calls for stricter building regulations to prevent future calamities. As families mourn their loved ones and the community seeks answers, the memory of Chidera Onovo and others lost in this devastating school collapse serves as a poignant reminder of the need for stringent safety measures in educational infrastructure nationwide.