8 students, 3 teachers killed as school building collapses in Nigeria

By Timothy Olanrewaju

LAGOS, Nigeria (AA) - At least 12 people, including 8 students and three teachers, were killed and several others injured on Friday following the collapse of a school building in Nigeria's north-central city of Jos, officials and witnesses said.

A two-story building consisting of classrooms and staff rooms at a private school in Busa Buji area or Jos, capital of north-central Plateaued State, collapsed at about 11:30 a.m. (1130GMT), according to the school principal, Daramola Ekundayo.

"It is sad and unfortunate. There were about 200 students and teachers in the building. The students were taking examination when the building suddenly collapsed," Ekundayo told journalists at the scene of the collapsed building.

Witnesses told Anadolu bodies of 8 students, three teachers and a supporting staffer, were pulled out of the rubble as search and clearing operation continues.

The state government confirmed the incident but did not provide any number of casualties.

Musa Ashoms, state communications officer, said the school building collapsed, resulting in casualties.

In a statement, Ashoms said approximately 120 people were trapped, adding that those injured are receiving treatment in various hospitals in the city.