The collapse of a two-storey school building on Friday in Jos, claimed 22 lives and left about 132 others injured.
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has encouraged the Plateau state government to strengthen town planning regulations in order to prevent further building collapse in the state.
Akpabio made this remark on Tuesday while addressing the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang who had paid him a courtesy visit, accompanied by some traditional rulers.
This is coming days after a two-storey school building collapsed on Friday, claiming 22 lives and leaving about 132 others injured.
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Speaking during the courtesy visit, Akpabio said: “We want to condole you on the building collapse. Such an horrific sight and the building was not even built during your tenure. What it means is that you have to take steps to reinforce the town planning laws and take a lot of interest in the building industry.
“No sentiments attached. No matter whose ox is gored, if somebody does not follow the rules, if somebody erects a building on a passage for stream water, once the foundation is questioned, such building should be brought down.
“We know what has happened in the past. It is as if the high and mighty in the society should construct building, nobody would want to touch the building out of respect for them.
“We will continue to mourn the demise of those children. The entire country is very sad. So on behalf of the 10th Senate, please accept our condolences. We are with you in this period of mourning.”
Governor Mutfwang stated that he was attending the National Assembly with his entourage in order to take part in the public hearing about the Nigerian Institute of Mining and Geosciences (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2024.
With the passage of this bill, the Mining and Geoscience Institute would likely become a full-fledged university. The governor expressed hope that his state will serve as the host for the University.
