The Federal Government, through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA),
on Tuesday, distributed food items to families of victims and survivors of the Jos school building collapse.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Saint Academy School building collapsed on July 12, 2024,
killing 22 and injuring 54 others.
The NEMA Director-General, Mrs Zubaida Umar, said that the gesture was to mitigate the sufferings of survivors and
families of those who lost loved ones.
Umar, who was represented by Mr Eugene Nyelong, the NEMA North Central Coordinator, said that the agency was fully
involved in the rescue operation in the unfortunate incident.
The director-general described the school building collapse as an emotional moment for parents and NEMA.
She said “we are sending our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to those who got injured and families of those who
lost loved ones.
“We undertook an assessment based on the search and rescue activities on the fateful day, where evacuations were done to various hospitals.
“An approval was given, and last week, we undertook direct distribution of medical consumables to various hospitals that helped
in taking care of those injured.
“We are here today to give succour to parents and guardians of those affected in the building collapse.
“We have 41 households that will benefit from these basic food items.”
The Executive Secretary, Plateau State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr Sunday Abdu, appreciated the Federal Government for the gesture.
Abdu, who was represented by Mr Samson Dimlong, the Director of Finance and Supply, said it was heartwarming and gratifying that the
Federal Government, through NEMA, deemed it fit to provide succour to the families of those affected.
He added that “the unfortunate incident, being a natural phenomenon, we have nothing to do to stop it, but with this, the families will
appreciate the Federal Government for the gesture.
“SEMA has been a partner to NEMA, working tirelessly in disaster prevention and mitigation in the state.
“The timely intervention is welcomed, and we hope for more of such support in moments like this.”
The Chairman, Parent-Teacher Association of the school, Mr Macben Onye, thanked government and all stakeholders for the gesture.
Onye said that the stakeholders have been with them since the day the incident occurred.
Mrs Ifeyinwa Okwubanego, mother of late Christabel Okwubanego who died during the building collapse, said “life has never been
the same without her loving daughter.” (NAN)
