The Methodist Church of Nigeria, Ikot Omin, Eno Abasi Circuit Diocese in Calabar, Cross River State, has urged Ekondo Microfinance Bank to compensate them with N35 million after the collapse of the bank's mast destroyed the residence of their Minister, Rev. Evans Uwaoma Obiokor.
The incident, which occurred along the 8 Miles axis on Calabar Road, has left the clergyman and his family without a home.
Bishop Otuekong Ukut of the Diocese of Atamunu (Methodist Cathedral of Favour) in Calabar explained in an interview with LEADERSHIP that an initial assessment conducted by an architect estimated the property damage at N35 million.
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The damage includes the destruction of three buildings, comprising the minister's residence where he resides with his family, the office building, service quarter, and the back house, all affected by the fallen mast.
“Those three buildings involved the roofs, the woods, electrical, the appliances, the electronics, office, and books in the office, computers, and photocopiers. It’s a massive damage.
“We have asked our legal officer to inform the bank. We are having our meeting on Monday. At the moment, we have to relocate the minister because the electrical wires in his home are sparking. The water you saw on the floor of his home because of yesterday’s rain can spark up once light is restored.
“Apart from the physical damages, there is threat to the life of the minister, that’s why I have to quickly inform our Prelate at the headquarters and the Board of Trustees. I believe they would have an emergency meeting because all Methodist Church’s property belongs to Board of Trustees,” Ukut maintained.
He said although the management of the bank had not communicated with the church to express concern over the damages or to take responsibility, but as the Bishop, he has visited the premises of the bank, but found out that the collapsed mast was never maintained.
“I found out that the base of the mast was all rotten. There was no environmental impact assessment. The basement and maintenance of the mast were rotten.
“The poles were rotten, with several perforations laced with rust that could not stand the test of time. It’s something that should have been removed if the organisation were to be on alert.
“They should have been the ones to replace the mast with solid steel structures, that was what was about to kill the Minister of Methodist Church, his wife and children,” the Bishop said.
When asked if the management of the bank had visited the church to discuss on the necessary actions to take, Bishop Ukut said none had come.
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