Sixty-seven South Africans have been confirmed killed in a building collapse at a church in Nigeria’s commercial capital Lagos, South African President Jacob Zuma said on Tuesday according to Xinhua.
The building at the Synagogue Church of All Nations in Lagos collapsed on Friday, claiming dozens of lives.
“I am greatly saddened to announce that 67 South Africans died and scores of others sustained injuries,” Zuma said in a statement.
“This is a particularly difficult time for South Africa. Not in the recent history of our country have we had this large number of our people die in one incident outside the country,” said Zuma.
“Our thoughts are with the families, friends and colleagues that have lost their loved ones in this heart-breaking tragedy. The whole nation shares the pain of the mothers, fathers, daughters and sons who have lost their loved ones. We are all in grief,” Zuma added.
He said he has directed relevant government departments and entities to act with the utmost urgency to ensure that the presidency facilitate the movement of relevant family members to Nigeria, to identify the bodies.
“Government will keep the public informed of developments around this tragedy,” Zuma said, pledging that the government would provide all the necessary support to affected families.
Zuma also sent condolences to the people of Nigeria and all other nations affected by this tragedy on behalf of the Government and the people of South Africa.
“I would like to assure all affected families that the Government will provide all the necessary support,” added Zuma.
However, Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency on Tuesday put the death toll at 62 including Nigerians and foreigners.
