Peter Obi, the Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general election, expressed his sorrow over the collapse of a school building in Jos, Plateau State.
Writing on his X handle over the weekend, Obi described the incident as disheartening and regretted the deaths and injuries that occurred.
The collapse, which happened on Friday, resulted in the death of at least 22 people and left 132 others injured.
This tragic incident was confirmed by the state Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Musa Ashoms, in a statement in Jos. Obi conveyed his condolences and concern for the victims and their families, highlighting the profound impact of the disaster.
BREAKING: Two-storey building housing secondary school students collapses in Jos
Peter Obi, the Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general election, expressed deep sorrow over the collapse of a school building in Busa Buji village, Jos, Plateau State, which has resulted in the deaths of at least 22 individuals and injuries to many others.
In his statement on X, Obi said, “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.”
He continued, “I am disheartened by the heartbreaking reports of the unfortunate collapse of a school building in Busa Buji village, Jos, Plateau State, today, which has left at least 16 of our children dead, and many others, including teachers, trapped under the rubble.
The incident occurred while the school was in session and students were writing their exams. I can only imagine the trauma of these young ones, sadly, witnessing such a tragic occurrence, and even their parents, who are undoubtedly worried about the safety of the children.”
Obi acknowledged the ongoing rescue efforts: “I understand that rescue operations began in full swing. I thank various organisations, including the FRSC, NEMA, Red Cross, Army, Police, and many other individuals helping out with the safe rescue of our children and their teachers.”
He extended his sympathies to those affected: “I sympathise with the Government and People of Plateau State, the management, staff, and students of the school, and the families of all the victims affected.
I do call on the government to carry out deep investigations into this tragic incident to unravel the cause and help prevent further occurrences around the country.”
Obi concluded with a message of hope and condolence: “My sincere prayers are with the remaining trapped children and teachers for their safe rescue.
May God grant eternal rest to the dead, give their families the fortitude to bear the painful loss, and grant quick recovery to the injured.”