Church collapse: Don’t worship in uncompleted buildings, CAN tells churches

Following the tragedy that occurred at the Reigners Bible Church Int’l Inc, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, last Saturday, the Christian Association of Nigeria has advised churches across the country not to worship in uncompleted buildings.

Specifically, CAN urged churches to stop “the idea of holding worship service inside buildings under construction to avoid a repeat of the avoidable tragedy”.

The association also challenged the Society of Engineers and other relevant organisations to rise up against the construction of buildings with substandard materials across the country.

A statement by the General Secretary of CAN, Dr. Musa Asake, lamented the disaster and advised every Christian to identify with the victims through prayers, gifts and condolence visits.

He said, “We advise churches to discourage the idea of holding worship service inside buildings under construction to avoid a repeat of the avoidable tragedy. We call on the NSE and other relevant bodies to check the construction of buildings with substandard materials.

“Until severe sanctions are meted out to those who are responsible, they may not be able to stop their satanic antics. We identify with the victims of the tragedy, we pray for their quick recovery as we are asking God to console and comfort all the bereaved. It is very unfortunate that the devil struck when the whole world is getting ready for the celebration of the birth of the Saviour, Jesus Christ, who came to destroy the work of the devil.

“We thank God that His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel, narrowly escaped the tragedy and we welcome his prompt intervention when he said the state government will hold an inquiry to investigate if anyone compromised building standards.”

Asake recalled the spate of collapsed buildings in the country and called on the relevant agencies to stem the tide.

“It is no more news that buildings often collapse in the country as a result of contractors using substandard materials coupled with people building without government approvals and thorough supervision by the relevant agencies,” Asake said.

According to him, Christians all over the world should join “us in praying for the victims that survived the incident and the families of the bereaved.”