Hussaini Kafi in Kano
Tragedy struck at the Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Potiskum, on Thursday when a classroom wall collapsed, resulting in the death of one female student and injuries to five others.
According to multiple sources, the incident occurred around 12:30 pm while students were in their classrooms receiving lessons.
‘‘This unfortunate incident happened when most of the students in the school were taking lessons. A girl from the Fika local government has been confirmed dead, while five others sustained injuries and are receiving medical attention in the hospital,’’ a source said.
The deceased student’s body has been released to her family for burial, while the injured students—Fatima Bala Adamu (who remains unconscious), Fatima Abba Idris, Hafsat Ahmed, Fatima Ibrahim, and Hafsat Abubakar Maina—are reportedly responding to treatment.
Addressing journalists, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Bukar Aji Bukar, provided further details on the tragedy.
‘‘There were about 50 students in both classes, with each containing approximately 25 students. The block of classrooms, which housed two classes, collapsed along the corridors, affecting five students.
‘‘Unfortunately, one of the students lost her life, while the other four are in good condition, according to the medical doctor attending to them. We visited them, and they were visibly traumatized.
‘‘We are now awaiting a report from the school, after which we will inform the relevant ministry responsible for building maintenance—the Ministry of Housing—to investigate the cause of the collapse and implement preventive measures,’’ he said.
Meanwhile, some parents have blamed the incident on government and school management negligence, alleging poor maintenance of school infrastructure.
Reports also said that no teacher was present in the affected classroom at the time of the collapse.
