Nigeria: Church Roof Collapses, Killing 160
- Updated Dec 12, 2016
A Nigerian church roof collapsed Saturday, killing 160 people.
Officials have said just 27 people were killed in the collapse, but eyewitness say the death toll is more than 100.
“I saw more than 100 dead bodies brought out on loaders,” Gary Ubong, a witness of the tragedy, told Reuters. “I also went to two hospitals and saw heaps of dead bodies difficult to count.”
However, State police spokeswoman Cordelia Nwawe said 27 were killed and 20 injured.
Etete Peters, chief medical director of the University of Uyo teaching hospital, said 21 bodies came to the clinic and two died.
“Victims are in private hospitals and mortuaries scattered all over Uyo metropolis. We can’t really tell how many people have died so far,” he said. “We do not have space as people are still being brought in.”
The death toll is expected to climb, according to CBN News.
The Reigners Bible Church building was still under construction when worshippers gathered Sunday to ordain a bishop. The state government is expected to investigate building standards.
State governor Udom Emmanuel, who escaped unhurt from the church service, has ordered the arrest of the building contractor, state news agency NAN said.
Photo courtesy: Thinkstockphotos.com
Publication date: December 12, 2016
