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11/22/2024 06:22:24 am

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Nigerian Church Collapses, Leaves Over 150 People Dead

Ongoing rescue operations at the church scene where more than 150 people have been confirmed dead.

(Photo : Facebook) Ongoing rescue operations at the church scene where more than 150 people have been confirmed dead.

Over 150 people were left dead and dozens seriously injured after the roof of the International Reigners Bible Church collapsed and fell on the congregation on Saturday in Uyo City in Nigeria.

Bodies were scattered everywhere with unending screams from survivors as they yelled for help with every gasp of air left in them.

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According to a witness identified as Ukeme Eyibio, he had parked his car outside the complex to make a phone call when he heard a sound and saw that the church's roof had collapsed, the Independent reported.

While narrating the incident, Eyibio explained that he together with three other people rushed to save a total of 10 victims. They, however, failed to penetrate the main structure as a construction worker advised that it was unsafe.

The construction worker then called his superior at Julius Berger construction firm to inform about the incident. A crane was immediately sent to assist in the rescue operations.

"I am so traumatized," Eyibio said. "I could not sleep last night because the horrors kept on repeating themselves in my head."

The Daily Mail reported that the building had been rushed to completion as they prepared to host the church's founder, Apostle Akan Weeks, as he was being ordained to be a bishop.

Among the survivors was the Akwa Ibom State governor, Udom Emmanuel, who had been rescued by his aide, according to the Premium Times.

Local hospitals were filled with victims seeking to get immediate medical attention, while mortuaries were flooded with dead bodies as well.

Xinhua reported that Nigeria declared Dec. 11 and 12 as days of mourning for the victims. An arrest warrant was also issued to the head of the church project.

Nigerian leaders issued messages of condolences, adding that justice will be served.

"This is a sad occurrence that has left a dark scar on the minds of Nigerians,"  Yahaya Bello, the State Governor of Kogi, said. "The Nigerian nation is with Akwa Ibom people in this dark hour."

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