Dozens killed in Nigeria church building collapse

At least 60 people have been killed after a church roof collapsed during a bishop’s ordination in Uyo, south-east Nigeria.

The local media is reporting the death toll much higher with many people believed to be still trapped under the debris.

Hundreds of people were inside the Reigners Bible Church including Akwa Ibom state governor Udom Emmanuel, who survived the disaster.

“We have never had such a shocking incident in the history of our dear state,” Emmanuel said on his Facebook page and said they will hold an inquiry to investigate if anyone compromised building standards.

Witnesses said the church was still under construction and workers had rushed to complete it for the ordination.

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed “deep sorrow” over the incident.

In September 2014, 115 people including 84 South Africans, were killed in Lagos in the collapse of a church belonging to the famous televangelist TB Joshua.