Bayelsa gov’t shuts church for hiding collapsed building

Bayelsa State Physical Planning and Development Board has sealed off the Assemblies of God Church located off Ebi’s Mechanic Road at Amarata axis of Yenagoa for hidding the collapse of its building under construction from relevant authorities.

The Executive Chairman of the board, Alabo Gideon Ekeuwei, while announcing the sealing of the church, re-emphasized the need for land developers to always engage the board before carrying out any form of development in the state.

• How woman was forced to give birth at home after flood took over hospital
• 2023: Beg Wike to work for PDP victory, Ayu tells Wabara

This was contained in a statement issued by the Head of Public Relations unit of the board, Mr Imgbi Gbalipre Stanley.

The statement said investigations revealed that the incident occurred at night in July 2022 and was hidden from the relevant authorities until it was noticed by officials of the board who were on routine patrol on Monday, September 5, 2022.

He said, “In line with the provisions of the law establishing the board, it is compulsory that land developers must first seek approval from the board before embarking on any form of development.

“The board has the personnel with the requisite technical know-how in building construction, but it is disheartening for land developers to always engage quacks to carry out their development.

“We have commenced investigation into the circumstances that led to the collapse of the said building. Pending the outcome of the investigation, the collapsed Assemblies of God Church building off Ebi’s Mechanic Road has been sealed and under the custody of the Bayelsa State Government as provided for in sections 59 and 62 of the Bayelsa State Physical Planning and Development Law, 2015.

“All individuals or group of individuals are hereby barred from the precinct of the church. Therefore, the leadership of the Assemblies of God Church are hereby requested to visit the Bayelsa State Physical Planning and Development board with all relevant documents relating to the collapsed building.”