WASSCE candidates trapped as classroom collapses during storm in Taraba

A tragic incident was narrowly averted on Wednesday evening when part of the Government Secondary School, Namnai, in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State collapsed amid a rainstorm, trapping students writing the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

The incident occurred around 6pm during a sudden downpour accompanied by strong winds, which caused the aging classroom buildings to give way.

The collapse happened while the second batch of candidates was in the middle of their examination.

The earlier group had reportedly completed their papers and left the premises before the storm began.

Students, teachers, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, and external examiners were said to have been trapped inside the collapsed structure but were quickly rescued by residents who rushed to the scene.

Several students sustained injuries ranging from minor bruises to severe fractures.

The injured are currently receiving medical care at a local Primary Healthcare Centre.

Speaking to The PUNCH, a local resident, Alhaji DanAzumi Lauris, said the destruction extended beyond the school premises.

“The storm was very violent. It not only brought down school buildings but also destroyed several houses in the area,” he said.

Elsewhere in the state, the heavy rainfall also disrupted examination activities in Jalingo, the state capital.

Some candidates were forced to remain at their exam centres until after 1am due to the intensity of the rain, which made it unsafe to return home.

There were also reports of a delayed delivery of examination papers, with some centres not receiving the day’s paper until as late as 8pm, forcing students to begin the exam much later than scheduled.

Efforts to reach the state’s Commissioner for Basic Education, Dr. Augustina Godwin, for official comment proved unsuccessful as her phone was unreachable at the time of reporting.