Around 60 people attending the ordination of a bishop died when a church roof collapsed in Uyo, south-eastern Nigeria. Hundreds of people were inside the Reigners Bible Church including Udom Emmanuel, the governor of Akwa Ibom state when the roof collapsed. Mr Emmanuel was lucky not to be hurt. The church was still under construction and workers had hurriedly completed it for the ordination, witnesses said. President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed ‘deep sorrow’ over the incident. A rescue official quoted by AP news agency said 60 bodies had been recovered but the toll could mount as a crane removes the debris. Ekerete Udoh, Mr Emmanuel’s spokesman said an inquiry would launched into the incident.
It has been observed that building collapses are relatively common in Nigeria, mainly due to the use of low standard materials used and also due to the violation of building regulations.