Caleb Mutfwang, Governor Plateau State.
By Marie-Therese Nanlong
Jos – Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang has inaugurated a Technical committee to investigate the cause of the recent collapse of a two-storey building at the Saints Academy, Busa Buji area of the Jos North local government area of the State.
The effort he emphasized was to prevent a recurring of such an incident which claimed over 20 lives and left over 100 persons injured.
Speaking during the event which took place at the new Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, Governor Mutfwang tasked the Committee to thoroughly investigate the cause(s) of the collapse and examine the roles of all individuals involved in the construction and maintenance of the building.
Governor Mutfwang explained that the investigation is crucial to prevent similar tragedies in the future and stated, “We must understand why this incident occurred, identify any lapses in duty, and implement measures to prevent a recurrence. Reports indicate that around 12 other schools in the city are at risk of collapse, which necessitates urgent action.”
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The Governor expressed his commitment to implementing stringent measures to ensure the safety and integrity of buildings across the State saying, “We will continue to enforce necessary changes with compassion, avoiding unnecessary hardship for our people. However, we cannot compromise on the safety of innocent lives. The loss of 24 children is a grave reminder of the urgency of our mission.”
Governor Mutfwang also directed the Secretary to the State Government to broaden the committee’s mandate to include the burnt Jos Main Market, where reports suggest that the remaining structure is also at risk of collapse. He urged the committee to investigate the demolition process, the handling of materials, and the steps needed to ensure public safety.
The Governor called on the public to provide any information that could help prevent future building collapses in the State.
Prof. Slim Matawal, the Committee’s Chairman, expressed gratitude to the Governor for entrusting them with the critical task and assured that the committee would work diligently to prevent future building collapses in the State.
The Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor, Gyang Bere listed members of the committee to include: Prof. Slim Matawal, Chairman, Engr. Oke Ezema, Member, Arc. Olusegun Olukoya, Member, Bldr. Daniel Sani (NOIB), Member, Arc. Michael Yibial (ARCON), Member, Engr. Rose Daffi (COREN), Member, Arc. Barnabas Dafiel, Member, Barr. Williams Habakkuk, Member, ACP Dayyabu Ahmed, Member, Mr. Yakubu Mallo, Secretary.
