The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has decried the loss of lives in the school that collapsed in Plateau State on Friday, saying the tragedy was avoidable.

The Saints Academy in Jos collapsed on Friday, July 12 while pupils were writing their third term examination. 22 deaths were recorded from the incident.

NEMA Director General, Zubaida Umar, who visited the school over the weekend said engaging professionals while building would have prevented the disaster that led to the loss of lives at the secondary school.

“I decided to come myself because it is such a huge and avoidable loss. It is something that could have been totally avoidable. It is a lesson for all of us that we need to get all developers to adhere to building codes and the plans and ensure the right thing is done.”

According to the Plateau State Government, 22 persons died and 132 persons were injured.