In a devastating incident that has been labeled an "avoidable tragedy" by local authorities, a school building collapsed in the central Nigerian city of Jos, resulting in the loss of 21 lives. The collapse occurred while students were sitting for an exam, adding to the sorrow surrounding this heart-wrenching event.

According to Nigeria's National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the two-story building collapse also led to the hospitalization of 30 people. While NEMA did not provide an exact count, it was confirmed that students were among the casualties. Reports from the Plateau State government estimate that around 120 people were trapped when the structure collapsed.

Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang expressed his deep condolences to the families of the victims, noting that the building gave way during an exam, adding to the tragic nature of the incident. The governor extended his sympathies to the students and staff of St. Academy School.

In a statement released on Friday, the Plateau State government labeled the incident as an avoidable tragedy, citing the weak structure of the school building and its unsafe location near a riverbank. Authorities have urged other schools facing similar safety concerns to close down in order to prevent any further disasters.

To address the urgent need for medical assistance, local hospitals have been instructed by the government to provide treatment to those affected without requiring any documentation or payment. This measure aims to ensure that the injured receive prompt and necessary medical care.

Building collapses are unfortunately not uncommon in Nigeria due to lax construction standards and the use of poor-quality materials. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing need for stricter regulations and enforcement to prevent such accidents and protect the lives of the country's citizens.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities will hopefully be able to determine the exact cause of the school building collapse and take necessary actions to hold those responsible accountable for this devastating loss of life.