20th September, 2014
Charles Otegbade, Director, Search and Rescue, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), said proper forensic test was needed to identify the victims of the collapsed Synagogue church building.
Otegbade told newsmen on Friday at the site of the collapsed building that the death toll presently stood at 86 and while 131 were still in the hospital.
He said that he was there to extend a warm hand of fellowship to the church on behalf of President Goodluck Jonathan.
Otegbade said that NEMA’s mandate was to bring succour to people in distress, not just to coordinate rescue efforts.
“Experts from Nigeria are working with experts from South Africa, to help in identifying the victims of the collapsed building.
“The collapsed building that was used as guest house was mostly occupied by South Africans,” he said.
One of the survivors, Temitayo Taiwo, 28, a graduate from the University of West London, South Africa, who works as a business coordinator for the church said he was grateful to God and to the church that he survived.
“We were in the rubble for more than 24 hours, everywhere was dark, after this incident I appreciate God the more and I am very grateful to God that I survived,” he said.