Nigeria: Death toll in Uyo church collapse still unclear

Days after a church in Uyo, the capital of the Nigerian state of Akwa Ibom collapsed during worship, the actual number of people who died is yet to be reconciled.

Local media reports say as many as hundreds were killed whiles the police has confirmed 60 casualties.

Governor of Akwa Ibom, Udom Emmanuel who was also trapped under the rubble but was rescued is however disputing the figures.

“I have personally gone round to many hospitals to check the level of victims admitted and casualties that we had. Based on the paper, I have reconciled… is 22 that died. Then we still have unreconciled numbers that would be between six and seven,” he said.

Dozens of injured people are still being treated at hospitals across the state.

Authorities have meanwhile ordered an inquiry into the collapse as they go after the engineers.

“The law is there to take care of those found culpable,” Udom Emmanuel assured adding “Why do you set up a panel of inquiry if you just want to let everybody go?”.

He said “irrespective of who is involved, if you are found culpable, definitely you will face the wrath of the law.”

In September 2014, more than a hundred people were killed in a similar incident at a church belonging to televangelist, T.B Joshua.