A telecommunication mast has reportedly collapsed and destroyed the residence of the minister in the Methodist Church, Rev. Evans Uwaoma Obiokor, in Calabar, Cross River State.
The mast which was said to have belonged to a microfinance firm in Calabar collapsed on Thursday and as result rendered Obiokor’s family homeless.
The property destroyed was estimated to worth N35 million, according to the Bishop of the Diocese of Atamunu Methodist Cathedral of Favour in Calabar, Otuekong Ukut.
“An architect has assessed the extent of destruction. Preliminary survey has shown a N35m loss.
“Items destroyed include three buildings: an office building, the minister’s residence where he lives with his wife and children, the service quarter, and the back house, hit by the fallen mast.
“Those three buildings involved the roofs, the woodwork, electrical systems, appliances, electronics, office equipment, and books in the office, computers, and photocopiers. It’s massive damage.
“We have asked our legal officer to inform the Ekondo microfinance bank. 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 brought by the Power Holding Company (PHCN).
“Apart from physical damage, there is a threat to the life of the minister, which is why I have quickly informed our Prelate at the headquarters and the board of trustees. I believe they would have an emergency meeting. All Methodist church property belongs to the board of trustees,” Otuekong said.
He noted that from their visit and assessment of the mast, the base had rot, thereby weakening the steel.
Otuekong stated that the bank was yet to respond to their calls.
The branch manager of the bank at 8 Miles Calabar, Mrs. Joy Koku, said, “I have no authorization to make any comment except from big men from the headquarters.”
