The roof of Reigners Bible Church in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, collapsed on Governor Emmanuel Udom and other worshipers today, but the governor escaped unhurt. Our correspondent learned that many worshipers died, but the death toll remained uncertain as at press time.
A government source in the state told SaharaReporters that several aides of the governor and senior government officials in Akwa Ibom sustained various degrees of injuries. Our source added that a close aide of the governor was among the dead, but underlined that there was no confirmation yet.
The tragic collapse of the church building happened during a ceremony for the ordination of a bishop of the Church, Bishop Akan Weeks. Our source said the roof of the uncompleted building caved in, precipitating pandemonium as worshipers ran in every direction, screaming. The collapse took place some twenty minutes after Governor Udom arrived at the church service.
Other sources told our reporters that the renovation of the church had been rushed in recent weeks in order to upgrade the building for the governor’s appearance as a special guest at the ordination.
Our government source disclosed that, after his rescue from the chaotic scene, Governor Udom was rushed back to the State House for treatment of slight bruises. The source added that the government subsequently returned to the site of the collapsed building, adding that construction company, Julius Berger, had provided excavating equipment to dig through the rubble of the church.
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