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| ‘At least 60 dead’ in Nigerian church collapse | ‘At least 60 dead’ in Nigerian church collapse |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| At least 60 people have been killed in Nigeria after a church roof collapsed during a bishop’s ordination ceremony attended by the state governor. | |
| Reports suggested the Reigners Bible Church in Uyo, the capital city of Akwa Ibom state, was being used for the ceremony despite still being under construction. | |
| Hundreds of people are believed to have been inside when metal girders fell and the corrugated iron roof caved in. | |
| An official said at least 60 bodies have been recovered and the death toll is likely to rise as rescuers rush to remove debris. | |
| Udom Emmanuel, the governor of Akwa Ibom state, was inside church when the incident occured but was able to escape. | |
| In a statement, he described the collapse as "an unfortunate incident" and said he had "shared in the agony of the moment". | |
| Mr Emmanuel said: "I was present at the church during the incident and shared in the agony of the moment. | |
| "Thereafter, I personally supervised rescue operations and evacuation of the injured to the hospital. I directed all emergency organizations, agencies of government and corporate organizations especially the construction companies to be involved in the exercise. They acted promptly and I commend their sense of patriotism and gallantry." | |
| He said the state would cover the medical costs of those injured and would hold an inquiry into whether anyone had compromised building standards. | |
| Citizens should "remain calm, pray for the injured and avoid undue speculation as the situation is being given the best possible attention", Mr Emmanuel added. | |
| Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari said he had spoken with Mr Emmanuel to "commiserate with him on the tragic collapse". | |
| He said: "I asked the Governor to convey to the people of Akwa Ibom the deep sorrow felt by me, and by the entire country, over this tragedy. | |
| "I pray that the souls of the deceased will rest in peace, and that the injured will experience quick recovery. | |
| "Any tragedy that affects any part of Nigeria affects all of us. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the people of Akwa Ibom." | |
| The incident comes two years after 116 people were killed when the Synagogue Church of All Nations collapsed in Lagos, Nigeria. | |
| Building collapses are not uncommon in the country as a result of corruption causing contractors to use sub-standard materials and bribe inspectors to ignore risks. | |
| Additional reporting by agencies. | |