Ten worshipers feared dead in the rubble of a collapsed building housing the Salvation Ministry at Okpanam in the North Oshimili Local Government Area of Delta State.
Dozens of people, including women and children, are also believed to be trapped in the building that is would have yielded during the service last night, Tuesday January 11, 2022.
According to the Daily Sun, the building was undergoing another phase of reconstruction when the incident occurred.
A church member, who simply identified himself as Grace, said the service was underway when the building collapsed with a thunderous sound.
We were clapping and praying when all of a sudden we heard crackles and the building engulfed the children’s section with kids in Bible class.
She said the church was keeping its 21-day New Year fast, adding that members had come to break Tuesday’s fast with a communion service.
Men from the Delta State Emergency Management Agency, Fire Department and State Police Command formed the rescue team as trapped children cried under the debris of the collapsed building .
Reports say more than eight people were rescued unharmed, while four people were rushed to Asaba Specialist Hospital for medical treatment.
State government secretary, SSG, Chief Patrick Ukah, State Health Commissioner Dr Ononye Mordi, a team of Red Cross officers and firefighters are said to be at the site of the collapse during a rescue mission.