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Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa on Sunday expressed sadness over the death of a worshiper in the unfortunate collapse of St. Paul Catholic Church building, Ugolo, Adagbrasa in Okpe local government area of the state.

Governor Okowa who expressed his sympathy in a statement issued on Sunday in Asaba by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Charles Aniagwu, described the unfortunate incident as a sad, unfortunate and regrettable experience.

The Governor has also dispatched the State Commissioner for Works, Chief James Augoye to visit the site with a view to unraveling the circumstances surrounding the collapse of the building and how government can come to the aid of the injured worshippers and the church.

Okowa prayed for the repose of the departed faithful and condoled with the family of the deceased, the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Chairman of Okpe Local Government Council, Chief J.J. Scot, the Orodje of Okpe, HRM, Orhue 1, Major Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (rtd) and the entire Ugolo community in Okpe Kingdom over the unfortunate incidence.

“This is indeed a very sad and unfortunate incident.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Delta State I commiserate with the family of the deceased and those injured, the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Chairman of Okpe Local Government Council, Chief Julius Scott, the Orodje of Okpe, HRM, Orhue 1, Major Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (retd) and the entire Ugolo community in Okpe Kingdom over the unfortunate incidence.

“It is our prayer that the soul of the deceased will rest in peace, and that the injured will experience quick recovery. Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with the people of Ugolo in Okpe Kingdom over this tragedy,” he said

Meanwhile, Governor Okowa has said the State Government will undertake the medical treatment of the victims of the Sunday collapse of St. Paul Catholic Church building, Ugolo, Adagbrasa in Okpe local government area of the state.

Mr Aniagwu, said the Governor has directed that adequate medical attention must be given to the survivors of the unfortunate building collapse.

According to the preliminary report by the Commissioner for Works, Chief James Augoye, one person died from the incident, 11 were rushed to the hospital out of which seven have been treated and discharged while the remaining four were still undergoing treatment and were in stable conditions.

Aniagwu quoted the Commisioner as saying that “the church is a100 years old church building and in an attempt to rebuild and expand the church, the old church building collapsed as a result of heavily soaked waters ocassioned by the weight of worshippers who leaned against the walls while the early morning mass was on.

“While we pledge to pay the cost of treatment for the injured, people must ensure they seek necessary approvals before construction of buildings particularly public structures to avoid incidences such as this,” the statement added.