The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Charles Udoh, has narrated how he escaped death by the whiskers in the Reigners Church building collapse in Akwa Ibom State.
Recall that the state governor, Emmanuel Udom, among other high profile citizens of the state were present in the church located at Km1 Uyo Village Rd, Off Wellington Bassey Way, Uyo, when it collapsed on Saturday.
No fewer than 100 people were killed in the collapsed church.
The Commissioner said although he was not in the church for the programme, he went there to seek the permission of the state Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, to travel to Lagos State.
Udoh, who was sworn in as commissioner on December 1 told the Punch how he watched the roof of the church building come down like a scene in a movie.
He said, “Just as I stood near Governor Udom Emmanuel to ask for his permission, I saw the roof coming down. I wanted to prevent the main pillar from hitting me.
“I also wanted to try to get between the iron rods. However, I picked up a chair and the thing slammed the chair off my hand and landed on my head.
“I didn’t fall, but my phone dropped. I bent down to find my phone when I realized that my face was covered with blood.
“At that moment, the only thing that came to my mind was to get out of the rubble before I lost consciousness. As I got out, I saw some policemen and I was rushed to a hospital.”
“With the love I have received from the people of the state – the governor was here, the former governor and many others visited me – I am convinced that God has a purpose for me,” Udoh added.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ekerette Udoh, who was also a victim, explained that the cap of his left knee was broken, adding that he was still in pain.
He said an iron rod cut into his neck adding that it eventually hit him on the back.
He said, “I am in pains; the iron fell on my left leg and back. The kneecap was broken and the leg fell apart,” he said.