On Friday, July 12, 2024, the Saint Academy School in Jos, Plateau State, became the scene of a devastating tragedy when its building suddenly collapsed, leading to multiple fatalities and injuries. The shocking incident has sent waves of grief and concern throughout the community, prompting Senator Diket Plang, who represents Plateau Central in the 10th National Assembly, to take immediate action.
Senator Plang, in a statement released to newsmen, expressed profound sorrow over the loss of life and the injuries sustained. He called for an urgent and exhaustive investigation to determine the precise cause of the collapse. The senator emphasized that it is not enough to mourn the dead; there must be a determined effort to uncover the truth behind this disaster. Was the collapse a result of shoddy construction? Were safety regulations ignored? Or was there a deeper, systemic issue at play? These are the questions that must be answered to provide closure to the grieving families and ensure such a catastrophe does not happen again.
The senator’s call for action is not merely a formality; it is a demand for accountability. He highlighted that the safety of students and the general public is a non-negotiable responsibility of the government and all stakeholders involved in the construction and maintenance of public buildings. This tragic event, he noted, is a wake-up call for stricter enforcement of building standards and more rigorous oversight mechanisms. The lives lost in this incident must not be in vain—they should serve as a catalyst for meaningful change in how public infrastructure is managed.
Senator Plang’s message is clear: those responsible for this disaster, whether through negligence or deliberate wrongdoing, must be held to account. He urged the authorities to leave no stone unturned in their investigation, to ensure that the full extent of the law is applied where necessary. The senator also called for immediate measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future, including the implementation of more stringent construction standards and regular safety audits for existing buildings.
This tragedy is not just a local issue—it is a national concern that touches on the very fabric of society’s trust in its institutions. Senator Plang’s impassioned plea for a thorough investigation reflects a broader demand for justice, transparency, and the protection of citizens’ lives. As the community mourns, the senator’s call serves as a reminder that the government has a solemn duty to act decisively in the face of such tragedies.
The people of Jos, and indeed the entire nation, will be watching closely to see how the authorities respond. Senator Plang’s leadership in this matter signals a commitment to ensuring that such a devastating event is never repeated, and that the lives lost are honored through meaningful action and reform.
