by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
JOs: The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) has expressed its profound heartbreaking grief over the devastating collapse of the school building of Saints Academy College Jos.
The President of ECWA International, Rev. Dr. Job Ayuba Bagat, disclosed this in a statement made and issued to our correspondent in Jos on Monday.
“A tragedy that resulted in the very painful and untimely death of about 22 students, with about 132 others escaping with various degrees of injuries, I extend ECWA’s fervent and deepest sympathies to all families affected by this tragic incident,” he stated.
According to him, “The collapse of the school building has left the entire community in shocking and distressing experiences. Words cannot adequately express the immense sorrow and pain that the catastrophe has caused on the hearts of the general populace, especially, the immediate families affected.
“In these shocking experiences and pain, our thoughts and prayers are with the families, who have lost their beloved children as well as those of the injured,” he said.
“As a Church leader whose Church’s International Headquarters is situated in Jos City, where the regrettable tragedy occurred, I owe it a duty to speak consolation to all affected families, the management and staff of Saints Academy, Plateau State Government, the entire people of Plateau State and all who commiserate with the affected families.
“I prayed that the Almighty God may speak His divine peace and comfort, which transcend all human understanding and imagination into our hearts severally.”
He equally urged all ECWA leaders and members and, indeed, all Christians to commit affected families, teachers, and students to God in prayers for spiritual guidance, comfort, and solace during this time of immense grief for the healing and recovery of the injured, as well as for the strengthening of the bereaved.
The President further explained that, “The safety and well-being of our children is of utmost importance and must always be considered as such.
“However, the tragic incidence underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and stricter adherence to building rules and regulations with a view to preventing future occurrences.
“It is imperative that the authorities concerned should conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the building collapse, and should any form of negligence be found to be associated with it, those responsible should be held accountable to serve as deterrent to others.
“However, I exhort that during these dark hours, let Christian unity be proven through supporting one another, showing compassion, and in extending helping hands to those in need.
“I, therefore, encourage individuals and organizations to extend their support through donations, voluntary services, and any other means of alleviating the sufferings caused by the tragedy.
“As Christians, we draw strength from our faith and the teachings of love, compassion, and unity. Let us then be a source of hope and resilience for the affected families and offer our unwavering support as they bear with such unimaginable losses and pains.
According to him, “ECWA shall as much as possible continue to stand in solidarity with the affected families, offering humanitarian services, guidance, prayers, and whatever assistance as may be required.”