Members of Qua Iboe Church, Ikot Oko-Okon, Essien Annang
Superintendency in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State
have decried the effects of a recent windstorm which amongst other
damages ripped off the roof of the church. More photos after the cut..
When reporters went on
an assessment tour of the affected church, it was discovered that apart
from ripping off the roof, the windstorm also destroyed concrete
pillars, musical instruments, electrical appliances, chairs and other
valuables.
Speaking with newsmen, the presiding pastor of the
church, Pastor Charles Umoh, while noting that the incident has
negatively affected activities in the church, however, expressed
happiness that it did not result in injury or death to any member of the
church.
“It was on Wednesday, 22nd March, 2017, about 8:35am.
There was a rainstorm that morning after we dismissed so, some members
were still inside when they heard a big bang. Behold, the roof of the
church was flung in their presence.
We ran out for our dear lives, and
since then, we have been rendered helpless without a place of worship.
“I thank God that no life was lost and no injury recorded but
some of our musical instruments, electronics and properties worth
millions of Naira have been destroyed.”
The cleric while
revealing that members of the church lack the financial capability to
shoulder the renovation of the edifice, called on Governor Udom
Emmanuel, who is a Deacon in the Qua Iboe Church, and other well meaning
people to come to their aid.
Also speaking to newsmen, Chairman
of the church, Elder Aniefiok Samuel Udoh, disclosed that the church
was established in 1919, adding that members of the church have over the
years been channeling resources for the maintenance of the edifice.
He admitted that as an aged edifice, a thorough renovation must be carried out before the church can be deemed fit for people to congregate.
“The church was established in 1919 and we’ve been
maintaining it till now. The disaster also damaged some economic trees
around the church.
The church may be showing signs of aging, so we are
calling on philanthropists, relevant bodies, well placed individuals to
come to our aid.
In his statement, Superintendent of the church, Rev. Friday Nkok, called on the media to create optimum awareness on the issue and also solicited for assistance for the renovation of the project.
“Since the incident took place, activities in the church
have been disrupted. Our financial capability is a hindrance. We can’t
execute the task of renovation on our own. We’ve reported to the
national leadership of our church but we also need assistance from
government.
In their separate statements, Elder David Jack, Mr.
Mboroh Mboroh and Deaconess Mercy John equally pleaded with relevant
bodies to assist in the task of renovating the edifice.
When
contacted, the Area Superintendent/ Chairman, Ikot Akpan Anwa Area
Conference of Qua Iboe Church, Rev. NseAbasi Anako, stated that having
received the news of the mishap, he went to the site to ascertain the
level of damage done.
He said though the mishap is unfortunate,
he is glad that no human life was lost, adding that the church will
remain committed in the task of rectifying the damage caused by the
incident.
Credit...Ofonime Honesty
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