A Sunday service turned tragic in Taraba State as a church building collapsed, leaving several worshippers injured. The incident occurred at the United Methodist Church of Nigeria (UMCN), located behind the Divisional Police Office in Mutum-Biyu, the headquarters of Gassol Local Government Area.
The collapse happened during a church service as heavy rainfall, accompanied by a strong windstorm, battered the area. According to eyewitnesses, the building suddenly gave way, causing panic among the congregation.
Fortunately, no lives were lost in the incident. However, multiple people sustained injuries, with some suffering bone fractures.
Those with minor injuries were taken to the Mutum-Biyu Referral Hospital for medical attention. Others with more serious injuries, especially fractures, were rushed to traditional bone setters in the area.
A local bone setter, Alhaji Baffa Wanzami, confirmed that at least three people were brought to him for treatment. Among them was a young girl who had sustained fractures in both her arms and legs.
“It is very sad that some worshippers were injured while others got fractures when the church they were conducting service in collapsed,” Wanzami said. “Some of those that got fractures, including a little girl, were brought to me and I set their fractured bones.”
Residents of the area expressed concern over the structural condition of many old buildings, especially as the rainy season intensifies. Community leaders have called for urgent checks on public structures, including churches, schools, and health centres, to prevent future disasters.
This is not the first time such an incident has happened in Nigeria. Building collapses, especially during the rainy season, are common due to poor construction practices, lack of maintenance, and substandard materials.
Meanwhile, local authorities in Gassol LGA are yet to issue an official statement, but emergency response teams were seen visiting the site to assess the damage.
Community members are now urging the government to support those affected and ensure that the church building is properly rebuilt with stronger materials to avoid a repeat of such a dangerous event.
