Some survivors of the Reigners Bible Church International Inc, Uyo building collapse have given a first-hand account of how the building collapsed on Saturday.
One of the survivors, Eno Etim, who spoke with Punch, on Sunday, said the building collapsed shortly after a lady was called to lead the praise worship. The congregation was dancing when the church collapsed. She said:
“I was inside the church. Everything was normal; there was no problem. A lady was called to lead the praise worship session; the governor came in shortly after that. As the praise worship was going on, the building fell and I didn’t know how I got here.
“The iron fell on my back forcing me to fall on the ground with my face down.
“I don’t worship in the church. I worship in the United Intercessors Network, which Bishop Akan Weeks also belong to. I don’t live in Uyo. I came all the way from Oron.”
Etim’s niece, Nkoyo Okon, said she was at home when someone called her and told her about Etim’s plight.
“I knew she went to the church. But she later called me on the phone to tell me she had been taken to Annua hospital. So, I had to rush down here. I’m grateful to God she is alive,” Okon said.
Another victim, 22-year-old Emen Akpanitiat, said the building came down when the congregation was dancing and singing preparatory to offering collection. She said:
“It was when the governor came and people started dancing. I’m in pains. The doctor said I’m going to be moved to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.”