The death toll from the collapsed Guest House of the Synagogue Church of All Nations in Lagos rose yesterday to 44 as bulldozers excavating the rubble exhumed additional 24 bodies.
As at press time, a total of 130 persons had been rescued alive and taken to the Lagos State University Teaching hospital (LASTH), Igando and Isolo General Hospitals with various degrees of injuries.
Members of the church were shocked to their marrow as many attributed the calamity to enemies and called on Lagos state government to investigate the cause of the disaster.
The scene at the church yesterday was that of intense wailing as the bodies were being exhumed. The disaster took a toll on church attendance as many stayed away on fears that the enemy that caused the Friday disaster could cause another one.
“What has happened is not ordinary. The government must investigate the reason for the collapse. The church members are afraid of further attacks. That is why many did not come to church”, said a church member, Mrs. Aduke Olawale.
Also speaking, the General Manager of Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, said: “When we have a disaster of this magnitude, we need stakeholders in the safety sector to be on ground.
“We have taken every rescued person to the Igando and Isolo General Hospitals and the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, (LASUTH).”