By Mimidoo Patrick
Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) has set up an 11-man panel to investigate the collapse of a three-storey building in Jos, the Plateau State capital.
The building located at Butcher Lane in Jos North Local Government Area belonging to one Rufai Kabiru collapsed on Monday evening leaving 12 persons dead and one other critically injured.
The Acting Director General, NBRRI, Prof. Samson Duna in a telephone interview with Viewpoint Housing News in Abuja, noted that the committee has been charged with the responsibility of investigating the immediate and remote causes of the incident.
According to Duna, “The panel comprises specialized professionals from NBRRI with Prof F. O. Job from University of Jos as the chairman.
Other members of the panel include: Dr Rose Daffi, Dr Titus Ketkukah, Dr. Solomon Anowai, Dr Yohana Sati, Mr Okey Ezema, Mr Essien Mfom, Mr. Terver Tyosar, Mr. Zinfat Moses, Mr. Vision Bakam and Mr Sule Emmanuel.
He said the terms of reference of the panel include proffering remedial measures to stem further building collapse and determine the level of negligence on the part of the developer or owner, as well as the role of the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB).
Duna added that the panel would also recommend future efficient service delivery that would halt the collapse of buildings in the state and the entire country.
He assured that the recommendations will be acted upon as government is determined to stem the tide of building failure in the country.
“May I use this medium to commend the efforts of Jos zonal office of NIBRR for the prompt response in mobilising to the site,” the Director General stated.
The building housing a pharmacy and a public toilet went down around 5:00 pm.
The injured persons were rescued with various degrees of injury and had been rushed to the Plateau Specialist Hospital and Bingham University Teaching Hospitals, Jos for treatment.
However, report said the casualty may increase as some people may still be trapped in the rubbles.
Viewpoint Housing News findings revealed that the said owner of the building had another three-storey building located at Mango Street, Jos.
The three storey building which is still under construction was said to be issued a stop work order by JMDB, however, the owner continued with the construction.
