President Buhari comforted the bereaved families while wishing the injured a quick recovery
AMN
The roof of a crowded church collapsed onto worshippers in southern Nigeria, killing at least 60 people. The Reigners Bible Church International in Uyo, capital of Akwa Ibom state, was still under construction and workers had been rushing to finish it in time for a ceremony to ordain founder Akan Weeks as a bishop.
Hundreds of people, including Governor Udom Emmanuel, were inside when a support beam crashed onto worshippers and the ridges iron roof caved in. Governor Emmanuel and Bishop Weeks escaped unhurt.
Bodies of at least 60 victims have been retrieved but the toll could mount as a crane is removing the debris.The governor’s spokesman, Ekerete Udoh, said the state government will hold an enquiry to investigate if anyone compromised building standards.
President Muhammadu Buhari talked to the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel and the people over the loss of lives caused by the collapse of a church in Uyo, the state capital on Saturday. In a phone call with the governor, President Buhari comforted the bereaved families while wishing the injured a quick recovery. “President Muhammadu Buhari has ended a conversation a while ago with the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel in which he congratulated the Governor and his family on their lucky escape from the tragic collapse of the building of the Reigners Bible Church, Uyo.
“The President also conveyed to the Governor and the People of Akwa Ibom State, the deep sorrow of his family, the government and the entire people of Nigeria over the many deaths and injury recorded following the incident. “In praying for the repose of the souls of the deceased and the quick recovery of the injured, President Buhari implored the people of the state, especially those in the catchment area of the incident to rally around the victims of the tragedy to help ease their sorrow and pains. “He commended the Government of the state for the handling of the situation, so far”, a statement by his spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu stated.