NUJ Condoles With Families Of Victims Of Collapsed Building In Okpanam

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, has commended the Delta State Government for the prompt action in constituting the panel of inquiry to unravel the remote and immediate causes of the building housing the Salvation Gospel Ministry Church at Okpanam Road, which collapsed in the evening of January 11, 2022 while service was ongoing.

The Union said this in a statement on Wednesday signed by Comrade Michael Ikeogwu,
Chairman, Delta State Council and Comrade Patrick Ochei, Secretary,
Delta State Council.

The body also sent heartfelt condolences to families of the deceased victims and, most especially, commiserated with the church.

Adding: “Let it be emphasised that there is no fire without smoke. On this note, the Government should reconfirm to Deltans if there was any approval for the building in the first instance, and also, if the reconstruction work was approved.

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“While we don’t want to predict the outcome of Police investigations and the panel of inquiry, we wish to state that it is most unfortunate for any business man or professional engineer to embark on reconstruction of a building still housing human beings.”

“Once again, we are saddened by the unfortunate and collateral death of some church members, especially children who were waiting on God for a fruitful year.

“We are by this statement however, admonishing our colleagues, to endeavour to report the stories as they develop in a more professional and ethical manner.

“We will not condone our member or members who for urgency of filing their reports, will concoct and manufacture figures of casualties not based on authority verifications.

“Nevertheless, we urge the government to carry out a thorough investigation and make the outcome of their report public and deal decisively with anyone, be it the landlord, the engineer or even the tenants found culpable of not conforming to ethical standards and safety measures in this circumstance,” the statement said.