Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr Nsima Ekere, has called for the probe of the tragic collapse of the building of Reigners Bible Church, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, in which about 75 worshippers died at the weekend.
He said such an incident was avoidable and should not have occurred in the first instance, admonishing that government at state and federal levels should always put appropriate measures in place to ensure safety of buildings.
He made this known in a statement issued on Sunday to condole and sympathise with Governor Emmanuel Udom and the people of the state, even as he described the accident as a shocking and heart-rending tragedy.
Ekere, while thanking God for sparing the lives of the governor and thousands of worshippers who survived the accident, however said as a building professional, he was concerned that such an incident occurred in the first instance.
“Such an accident should not have occurred in the first place. I believe government should leave no stone unturned in identifying those whose actions or inactions are found to have contributed to this sad accident.
“I believe all relevant government agencies, not just in Akwa Ibom, but in all states of the Niger Delta region and Federal Republic of Nigeria, should ensure, at all times, that proper and appropriate regulations, measures and standards are always put in place and adhered to in construction and physical infrastructure projects, because, as this has shown, such negligence or culpability may result in the avoidable loss of lives and property.
“We must enforce these regulations. We must make our buildings safe. We must provide quality projects for our people. This must never happen to us again!
“My deepest condolences also go to the families of the victims of this most saddening and terrifying catastrophe, the head of Reigners Bible Church, Apostle Akan Weeks, the entire Christian Community, as well as the government and good and God-fearing people of Akwa Ibom State.
“I pray for the repose of the souls of the dead. I pray for God’s healing upon those who now lie at different hospitals with different injuries sustained during the collapse. I wish them quick recovery. And I pray for comfort to their souls, spirits and bodies and declare that this tragedy will not befall us again.
“At a time such as this, when Christians all over the world are preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, I call on all Christians and non-Christians, both in Akwa Ibom State and the rest of the country, to be more fervent in prayers to God, so that this season will not be one of tears and sorrow, but would truly be one of peace, joy, charity and goodwill to all men,” he said.
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