Mr Nsima Ekere, the Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC ), on Sunday described the collapsed Reigners’ Bible Church, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, as a heart-rending tragedy.
This is contained in a statement signed by the managing director in Abuja.
In the statement, Ekere expressed sympathy to the Head of the Church, Apostle Akan Weeks, the entire Christian community, as well as the government and people of Akwa Ibom state over the incident.
He also condoled with the families of the victims of the incident, saying: “ 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.
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“I pray for comfort to their souls, spirits and bodies and declare that this tragedy will not befall us again.’’
He, however, urged government and regulatory bodies in the construction industry to ensure that standards were adhere to in construction projects.
“I believe government should leave no stone unturned in identifying those whose actions or in-actions are found to have contributed to this sad accident.
“I believe all relevant government agencies at all levels 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.
“We must enforce these regulations, make our buildings safe, and provide quality projects for our people.
“I call on all Christians, who are intending to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and non-Christians, both in Akwa Ibom and elsewhere in the country, to be more fervent in prayers to God.
“They should pray 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,” Ekere said in the statement.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Akwa Ibom Commissioner of Police Murtala Mani confirmed 27 people dead and 37 others injured in the collapsed church building in Uyo on Saturday.
He said the assessment of casualties had been completed.