Udom Emmanuel Orders Investigation Into Uyo Church Building Collapse

Gov. Emmanuel at the scene

As the death toll rises from the collapsed of the Reigners Bible Church International building in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Saturday, the state government has ordered an investigation into the incident and also ordered the arrest of the contractor who handled the church building project.

According to a statement released by the state government, a high-powered panel of inquiry to ascertain the immediate and remote causes leading to the collapse of the building with a view to forestalling the recurrence of such incident and bring to book persons found to have compromised professional standards in the construction of the building would be set up.

The Reigners Bible Church International building, situated on Uyo Village Road, was still under construction when it collapsed.

According to reports, the incident occurred at around 11am during a special service: “Bishopric Enthronement”, to mark the ordination of its resident pastor, Akan Weeks. The church iron rafters caved in as the service was ongoing.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that more than 100 people were reported dead during the unfortunate incident.

Governor Udom Emmanuel and some of his commissioners were also among the worshipers in the church when it collapsed. He had arrived at the special service about 30 minutes before the building collapsed. He was immediately taken away by security operatives.

“I was present at the church during the incident and shared in the agony of the moment,” Governor Emmanuel said.

It was also said that the Founder of the church, Apostle Akan Weeks, was also brought out unhurt.

”When we were about taking offering, 30 minutes after the governor came in, the building caved in. Security operatives took him away,” said an eyewitness.

As the rescue team evacuated the dead and the injured, the governor also stayed to help in the rescue operation as many worshipers were trapped under the debris.

The rescue team at scene made up of workers of Julius Berger Construction Company, the police, army, Fire Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigerian Medical Association and the Federal Road Safety Corps.

Meanwhile, the Government of Akwa Ibom State has declared Sunday, 11 December and Monday, 12 December 2016 as days of mourning in honour of the victims of the collapse of The Reigners Bible Church building in Uyo.
“To this end, all flags will fly at half-mast within the state.
“The 2-day mourning period will be rounded off with a Solemn Assembly at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Uyo on Monday December 12, 2016 by 4.pm prompt.
“The Government urges all citizens and friends of the state to continue to pray for the speedy recovery of those injured in this incident.

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Governor Emmanuel and his family on their lucky escape from the tragic collapse of the building.

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.