Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris, said that 20 victims of the Itafaji School building collapse were brought in dead to the General Hospital in Lagos. Idris made the fact known during his visit to the hospital on Friday in Lagos.
According to him, the corpses have been released to the families for burial.
He said, however that 45 persons survived the collapse and were managed across some of the state health facilities, including Lagos Island General Hospital, Massey Street Children’s Hospital, Onikan Health Centre and the Gbagada General Hospital.
Others are Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja; National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, and Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba.
“Out of the 45 survivors known to the government as at this morning, 14, including 10 children and four adults, are still receiving medical attention at Lagos Island General Hospital. More survivors will still be discharged to their families before the close of work today, “ he said.
The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, commended the state government for prompt response and efficient healthcare management of survivors of the accident. Adewole also commended the government for granting free medical care to the victims in order to remove any barriers to prompt, qualitative and comprehensive care needed or the rehabilitation of victims.
“I am greatly impressed by the promptness of the emergency response of the state and the efficient healthcare deployed to ensure that the survivors of the sad incident are stabilised and kept alive, “ he said. The minister said that there were plans to strengthen the healthcare system across the state in order to address emergencies and save lives from emergency situations.
He urged other states of the federation to emulate Lagos State in order to attend to emergencies and save lives. “I also want to appeal to the media and Nigerians to report suspected unregistered schools in an environment not ideal for learning, “ Adewole said.
Meanhile, the United States Government, has expressed condolences to the families whose relatives were involved in the Lagos collapsed building.
The United States Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria, in a message on its Facebook page, said although reports concerning the actual number varied, it was certain that lives were lost and several persons were injured, including school children.
“The U.S. Mission to Nigeria offers its sincere condolences to the families of the individuals whose lives were lost during the building collapse on Wednesday at Ita-Faji, Lagos Island.
“Although reports vary regarding the exact number of casualties, it is certain that lives were lost and there were numerous injuries, including school children. We offer our deepest sympathies to all of the affected families. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time,” the United States said.
Recall the victims, majority being school children of Ohen Nursery and Primary School, were involved in the incidence that occurred at 44, Massey Street, off Ita-Faji market, Lagos Island.