Amaka Victor, a mother of five, has detailed the harrowing experience her children faced during the collapse of Saint Academy in Jos, Plateau State.
Photo used for illustrative purposes only.
According to PUNCH, the disaster, which occurred on Friday, has left her and numerous other parents distraught and in search of their missing children.
Victor’s nightmare began when one of her sons recounted how he escaped by leaping out of a window as the building began to crumble.
Another of her children was buried under the debris, crying for help before being rescued. Despite these near-miraculous escapes, Victor said she is still searching for one of her sons and continues to hope for his safe return.
Victor voiced her frustration and grief, describing how rescue operations were obstructed by security personnel, which she believes delayed the search and recovery of the trapped victims.
Her anguish is deepened by the uncertainty regarding her missing son, whose fate remains unknown.
Following this tragic event, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has demanded an immediate and thorough investigation into the incident.
He instructed the Plateau State Controller of the ministry to spearhead the investigation, aiming to identify the cause of the collapse and ensure those responsible are held accountable.
Amaka Victor said, "One of them, who was in the building, told me that he jumped out through the window as the building was going down.
"Another of my children fell on the ground with the collapsed building and was shouting and crying before he eventually got help.
"However, up till now, we have not seen him. I am praying to God to allow me to see my son."