…….lives loss tragedy entirely preventable
By Fatima Saka
The Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, visited Jos, Plateau State on Sunday, the 14th of 2024, to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the school building that collapsed on Friday.
She expressed her condolences to the Government and people of the state, especially to the families who lost their children and those who were injured in the tragic incident.
The visit by the NEMA DG occurred within less than 72 hours after the incident, She lamented the loss of lives and described the tragedy as entirely preventable.
Mrs. Umar stressed the importance of developers adhering to building codes to avert unnecessary building collapses, which often lead to fatalities and injuries.
“I chose to personally oversee this matter due to the significant and preventable loss that has occurred. It is a situation that could have been entirely averted,” she remarked.
The Director General of NEMA praised the search and rescue efforts at the site, involving NEMA, SEMA, the Nigerian Police, NSCDC, Fire Service, and all other relevant stakeholders. She especially highlighted the community’s contributions to the successful emergency rescue operation.
She also visited some of the injured students who are currently receiving medical treatment at Bingham University Teaching Hospital before proceeding to the Government House, where she conveyed a message of sympathy to the State Government.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang expressed his gratitude to the DG NEMA for her visit and stated that the state remains appreciative of NEMA’s prompt responses to this incident and other disasters that have occurred in the region.
