In a rare show of unity, the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party have put aside their political differences to commiserate with the government and people of Plateau State over the tragic collapse of a school building in Jos.
The disaster, which occurred at Saint Academy in the Busa Buji community of Jos North Local Government Area, claimed the lives of 22 people and injured 154 others.
The APC, through its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, described the incident as “unbearably heartbreaking” and extended its condolences to the families of the victims.
Similarly, the PDP, through its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, expressed deep sadness over the tragedy and commiserated with Governor Caleb Mutfwang and the people of Plateau State.
Both parties praised the swift response of the state government and emergency agencies to the incident and urged improved safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future, according to the Punch.
The rare show of unity between the political rivals demonstrates the depth of sorrow and concern for the lives lost and affected by the tragedy.
The PDP statement read in part, “Indeed, the heartrending death of these young Nigerian children who left their respective homes to school in search of knowledge and pursuit of their dreams and aspirations came as a huge blow to our nation and humanity and we pray that their death will not be in vain.
“Our party commiserates with Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State and stands in prayers with the teachers, parents, siblings and families of the victims as well as the injured at this trying time.
“The PDP commends Governor Mutfwang for his swift intervention in search and rescue operation, recovery and provision of all necessary emergency aids including prompt evacuation of victims and medical assistance to the injured.
“The PDP prays for the repose of the souls of the dead, divine consolation for the bereaved and speedy recovery of the injured.”
The statement read, “The All Progressives Congress is deeply saddened by the news of the collapse of the Saint Academy School building in Busa Abuja in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State which claimed the lives of children, students, staff and injured many others yesterday, Friday, July 12, 2024.
“We send our heartfelt condolences to the families of the innocent lives lost and best wishes for speedy recovery to those injured by the tragic incident. The incident is unbearably heartbreaking as the children and adults killed and injured were in the place they were supposed to be, in school, doing exactly what was expected of them.
“We urge the Plateau State Government to enforce building control standards more vigorously to guarantee safety and prevent a reoccurrence of a tragedy of this kind. We commend the emergency response led by the National Emergency Management Agency, and other agencies, including medical personnel that conducted the rescue, evacuation and treatment of victims of this horrific incident.
“May God grant the departed eternal rest and may He comfort the families they left behind. Amen.”
