By Ola ‘Kiya, Reporting
Ahead of the Panel of Inquiry instituted by the Delta State government, Salvation Ministries has revealed the possible remote and immediate causes of the collapsed building harbouring the church that has recorded casualties.
This is just as casualty figure has increased to four – two girls and two women – according to police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Bright Edafe.
In a statement credited to Senior Pastor David Ibiyeomie and Isaac Atehe published on the official Facebook page of Church Gist, the ministries indicted the new owner of the facility located at Okpanam, Asaba, for some untoward actions.
For instance, the church said prior to the collapse of the building on Tuesday during service, one of the pillars holding the structure was pulled down as ordered by the new owner whose name was not disclosed.
The statement reads in whole:
“Collapse of Church Facility, Emerging Facts:
“Following the collapse of a rented church building by Salvation Ministries in Okpanam, Delta State emerging facts reveal that:
“The facility, which rent was renewed in November 2021, was sold with its subsisting tenancy in December 2021.
“The new owner without prior notice to the tenants, Salvation Ministries, entered the Church facility to take custody of the building.
“The Church, shocked by the development approached its landlord, the former owner, who confirmed the sale of the building and offered to refund the subsisting rent.
“Attempts by the Church authorities to negotiate with the new owner did not yield any result as he was adamant on recovering his property.
“Things came to a head, when during the Church service he authorised the removal of a pillar in the building.
“This is believed to be the immediate cause of the unfortunate collapse of the building during Church Service, resulting in the avoidable losses.
“It is not known what other actions may have been taken by the new owner to obtain immediate custody of the building or comprise it.
“It is important the Delta State Government and the Nigerian Police invites the new owner of the building in the course of their investigations on the cause of the collapse.”
Meanwhile, the Senior Pastor of the mission, Pastor Ibiyeomie, on Wednesday, personally visited victims of the tragedy in the hospital and prayed for their quick recovery.
The church called on the state government and the police to invite the new buyer of the building for questioning in order to arrive at the root of the matter
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