The National President of Catholic Women Organization (CWO) in Nigeria, Dame Mary Gonsum, has described the recent building collapse at Saints Academy, Jos, Plateau State, as clear example of negligence by relevant government regulatory bodies over the years.
She called on relevant government agencies to ensure a well built structure is put in place when any building is being erected.
Gonzum stated this while addressing journalists after a visit to survivors of the school building collapse, who are receiving treatment at Bingham University Teaching Hospital as well as Our Lady of Apostolic (OLA) Hospital in Jos, the state cqpital.
Speaking alongside other women leaders of various Catholic Archdioceses across the country, she said, “We are here to commiserate with the people of Plateau State and the management of Saints Academy School over the unfortunate incident of building collapse.
“Having gone round we saw the students who were affected are responding to treatment. From the reports gathered and based on what we saw the management of the hospitals are doing their best, and we must give them credence.
“Going forward, we are calling on government to make sure that whenever a building is to be erected, agencies responsible should ensure a well built structure is put in place, they should please do their work.
“Individuals or organizations must obtain approval from government before they will embark on their project. Look at the lives we just lost! And more so, this are our little ones who are hoping to be the leaders of tomorrow but it is very unfortunate we lost them at the tender age.
“To the parents who lost their love ones, please accept our heartfelt condolences from the Catholic Women Organization Nigeria.”
She commended the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, for ensuring that those affected are given medical attention.
NewsNow recalls that on 12th July, 2024, a two storey building collapsed at Saints Academy, Jos, claiming the lives of 22 people, while 132 sustained various degree of injuries.
As at the time of filing this report 108 survivors have been discharged, while 24 others are still on admission responding to treatment at various tertiary health facilities in the state.