Collapsed Church Building: 'it was like watching a movie' - Akwa Ibom commissioner

Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information and Strategy Charles Udoh, who survived last Saturday’s building collapse, said watching the roof come down was like a scene in a movie.



Udoh, who is receiving treatment at the Ibom Specialist Hospital in Uyo, the state capital, said he was rushing to catch a flight but had to take permission from Governor Udom Emmanuel before leaving the church when the roof suddenly collapsed.

He said: “Watching the roof come down was like watching a scene in a movie. I was actually trying to rush out to catch a flight. Just as I stood up to His Excellency to ask for his permission, I saw the roof was coming down.

“Surprisingly I wasn’t panicky, even with the notion that the roof was coming down. The first thing that came to mind was to avoid the main pillar from hitting me, the other option was to try and get in-between the iron rods, this was within a split of second.

“When that thought came I was like ‘this thing is going to chop off my head’. So the next thought was to pick up a chair and the thing slammed the chair off my hands and landed on my head.

“I didn’t fall, I was still standing, then my phone dropped off, I went down to find my phone when I realised my face was covered in blood. I tried finding my way out, then the lady that was standing next held me and was begging for help, I tried to help but couldn’t because she was already trapped.

“At that moment, the only thing that came to my mind was to get out of the rubble before losing consciousness. Luckily for me, as I just got out I saw my policemen and I was rushed to the hospital.”

When asked if he was not discouraged, Udoh said: “No; it tells me that God has a reason for bringing me here. For God saving my life and the love I have received from the people of the state; the governor was here, the former governor came, Akwa United FC and many others visited me. With this I am convinced God has a purpose for bringing me here.”