Twenty-two children have died and over 132 have been injured after a school building collapsed in Jos, Plateau state, Nigeria, according to local officials. The incident occurred at Saint Academy while students were in class on Friday morning, leaving many trapped under the rubble.

Rescue efforts involved volunteers using excavators, hammers, and their bare hands to reach those trapped beneath the debris. Authorities confirmed that at least 22 children have died, with many more receiving treatment at local hospitals. The school has more than 1,000 pupils enrolled.

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Local resident Abel Fuandai expressed the tragedy’s enormity, noting that his friend’s son was among the victims. The state government has launched an investigation, citing the school’s “weak structure and unsafe location near a riverbank,” and advised other schools with similar concerns to close immediately.

Hospitals in Jos have been instructed to prioritize the treatment of the injured without requiring documentation or payment. Residents reported that the collapse followed three days of heavy rain in the area. Injured student Wulliya Ibrahim recounted hearing a loud noise shortly after entering class.

UNICEF Nigeria’s representative, Cristian Munduate, expressed devastation over the loss of young lives, stating that children were taking exams when the building collapsed. Nigeria has faced several major building collapses in recent years due to poor workmanship and corruption.