Reps to condole with families of victims

chika ebuzor

December 15, 2016 8:30 PM

Over 29 persons were killed , while hundreds sustained various degree of injuries on December 10, 2016.

Uyo Church collapse

The House of Representatives on Thursday, resolved to send a delegation to condole with families of victims of the Reigners Bible Church that collapsed during the ordination service in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the incident took place Dec. 10 during an ordination service of the Senior pastor.

Over 29 persons were killed , while hundreds sustained various degree of injuries.

This resolution followed a motion by Rep. Francis Uduyok (PDP-Akwa-Ibom), which was unanimously adopted.

Moving the motion, Uduyok expressed sadness over the unfortunate incident that led to the death of no fewer than 29 people and many sustaining injuries in the process.

The lawmaker said the incident threw the people of Akwa Ibom and indeed the whole country into mourning.

He expressed worry about the incessant collapse of buildings, recalling the case of the Synagogue Church of all Nations two years ago, when a six story building.

He further recalled that the collapsed Synagogue Church building killed 115 persons, 84 of whom were foreigners.

Uduyok further expressed worry that such incidents were still occurring because no engineer, architect or contractor had been convicted for complicity in the past.

He said “I believe that approvals and nature of engineering works on high-rise buildings meant to accommodate many people at any given time must be thoroughly screened by the relevant regulatory authorities with a view to ensuring that requisite standards are not compromised.”

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The House also commended Gov. Udom Emmanuel, the Nigeria Police, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and other public-spirited individuals for their efforts in the rescue of persons trapped in the collapsed building.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the house observed one- minute silence for the repose of the deceased.

chika ebuzor