On Saturday, the former Vice-President and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku Abubakar, has expressed sadness over the loss of lives and injuries at the collapse building of Reigners Bible Church in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.
This was contained in press statement released by his media office where Atiku described the incident as ‘horrendous and fearful’. He further stated that the incident is a great test of faith as the accident took place when the church building was packed full of worshipers who were in a jubilant mood during the installation ceremony of the Church Pastor to the exalted office of a Bishop.
Atiku stated that many unsuspecting worshipers were caught in the confusion caused by falling blocks and collapsing roof. He also the urged the congregation to be strengthened and comforted by Almighty God.
The former Vice President implored relevant agencies and all men and women of goodwill to do all that is necessary in providing medical care to the survivors and counselling to families of the deceased.
The APC chieftain said the Church building collapse in Uyo was one too many of incidences of building collapse across the country, adding that after the mourning, the relevant building authorities have to be more serious in approving building plans, renovation requests and monitoring of standards, equipment and the building process by experts.
He said the high incidence of collapsed buildings was causing the nation a lot in terms of human life and materials as well as the confidence as to the ability of our builders to give our people safe structures.
Atiku Abubakar condoled with the people and Government of Akwa Ibom State, Christian Association of Nigeria and families of all those who may have lost dear ones in the tragedy.
![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-450x300.jpg "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")