Arase, IGP

At least seven kids under ten years have died when a school building collapsed on them on Sunday in Bukuru, Jos South local government headquarters of Plateau State, it was gathered.

An eye witness confirmed that the incident occurred at the Abu Naima Primary and Secondary School in Bukuru, said to be an Islamic school, collapsed on Sunday evening when the pupils were receiving lessons.

The incident happened at about 6:30 p.m. local time.

The witness, Awal Ahmed, told journalists   on telephone that “so far 7 dead bodies have been evacuated from the building, but there are several others still in the building.”

According to Mr. Awal, the building collapsed at the time the pupils, most of them less than 10 years old – were being taught Sunday classes, which is believed to be attended by about 30 pupils.

The Zonal Coordinator, North Central of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Mohammed Abdulsalam, confirmed the casualty.

Mr. Abdulsalam said rescue team of the agency arrived the scene, recovered 7 bodies, while five people were rescued but with severe injuries.

He said the injured persons have been taken to Plateau Specialist Hospital in Jos for medical attention.

He also said rescue efforts were ongoing and casualty may increase as several other people were still buried in the rubble.