Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has vowed to enhance building safety measures and reclaim illegally acquired government properties following the receipt of a committee report on the July 12 school building collapse in Jos, the state capital.
The tragic collapse of the two-storey building, housing Saint Academy in the Busa Buji community, Jos North Local Government Area, resulted in 22 fatalities and left 154 individuals trapped.
In a statement by the governor’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, Governor Mutfwang received the report at the Twins Theatre, New Government House, Jos, alongside Deputy Governor Josephine Piyo. He commended the committee, led by Prof. Danladi Matawal, for its thorough investigation and described the findings as essential for future policy decisions.
The governor expanded the committee’s mandate to include integrity assessments of other significant structures in the state, such as the Jos Main Market and Rockland Hotel in Laminga, to address potential risks proactively.
“When we established this committee, it was during a period of profound grief for our state, following the loss of 22 children in the Saint Academy building collapse,” Mutfwang said. “The committee was tasked with investigating the causes of building failures and recommending preventive measures. Your work is not yet complete, as further assessments are necessary to ensure safety across the state.”
Governor Mutfwang also issued a stern warning to individuals unlawfully occupying government properties, urging them to vacate immediately or face strict legal action. He announced plans to form a task force by the end of the month to recover such properties and hold perpetrators accountable.
“Anyone who has acquired government property illegally must relinquish it. We will recover these assets and prosecute those responsible for unauthorized sales or acquisitions,” he declared.
The governor outlined plans to restructure the Jos Metropolitan Development Board for improved efficiency in service delivery.
Prof. Matawal, the committee chairman, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, noting that the assignment was emotionally demanding due to the tragic loss of lives. He disclosed that the management of Saint Academy had neither obtained government approval nor provided architectural drawings for the collapsed building.
The committee recommended decisive government action to prevent future building collapses and ensure adherence to safety regulations.
This initiative underscores the state government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property while enforcing accountability in governance.
