From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel over what he described as “lucky escape” from the tragic collapse of the building of the Reigners Bible Church, Uyo, on Saturday.
Reports indicated that, at least, 200 people died in the building collapse.
The church’s iron rafters reportedly caved in during a consecration service of the Founder of the church, Apostle Akan Weeks, as bishop.
President Buhari, in a telephone interview with Emmanuel, after the incident, congratulated him and his family on a lucky escape . According to his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the president also conveyed to the governor and the people of Akwa Ibom State, his deep sorrow, over the deaths and injury following the incident.
He commended the state government’s handling of the situation, so far.
Also yesterday, Speaker Yakubu Dogara commiserated with the people of Akwa Ibom State as well as members of the church and the Christian community over Saturday’s tragedy. In a statement issued yesterday by his spokesman, Turaki Hassan, the Speaker described the incident as great tragedy to the nation.
From Edo, Governor Godwin Obaseki, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. John Mayaki, however, thanked God for ‘our excellency’s miraculous escape from death in the sad incident’.
Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa said the tragic death of some worshippers in the church was a very sad experience and prayed for the repose of the faithful departed.
He described the incident as “indeed a very sad story and very sad,” and, particularly, condoled with Emmanuel, whom he said, was fortunate to have escaped by the whiskers,” in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu.
Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, yesterday, described as a national calamity, the church’s building collapse. Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Ufot Ekaette, commiserated with Governor Udom Emmanuel, over the church collapse that killed over 100 people and injured others in Uyo on Saturday.
In a statement he personally signed, Chief Ekaette expressed sympathy with the governor and the people of the state over the tragedy.