The Akwa Ibom State Government has declared Sunday and Monday, as days of mourning to honour victims that died on Saturday when a church building belonging to Reigners Bible Church International, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, collapsed during church service, killing scores and leaving several others wounded.
One of the survivors was the state governor, Udom Emmanuel, who was the special guest of honour at the special service.
The incident occurred during a special service: “Bishopric Enthronement”, to mark the ordination of its resident pastor, Akan Weeks.
While the governor escaped unhurt, luck however ran against one of his aides, Ernest Inem, he died in the process. Also the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh had a broken leg while trying to escape.
A lecturer in the Department of Economics, University of Uyo, Dr. Chris Ekong, confirmed to our correspondent on the phone that his brother, Dr. Cyril Ekong, died during the collapse church building.
A lot of students of Uyo City Polytechnic who worshipped with the church were also consumed when the roof of the building collapsed. Some of them died instantly while others were rushed to hospital.
A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ekerete Udoh, said: “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.”
As the death toll rises, the Chief Medical Director, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, UUTH, Prof. Etete Peters yesterday said it would be difficult for now to ascertained the number of people that died, saying so many people were brought to the hospital dead.
Prof. Peters said the hospital attended to and treated more than 50 patients.
His words: “It will be difficult for now to know the figures of those that died. Some are brought in here while others are taken to Anua Hospital and Ibom Specialist hospital.
“We treated more than 50 patients. They brought so many people dead. We did an emergency operation for so many people.”
A source, who pleaded anonymity at UUTH, said he counted over 27 dead bodies on the ground before they were transferred to the morgue.
