Tragedy struck in Mutum-Biyu, the headquarters of Gassol Local Government Area in Taraba State, on Sunday as a church building collapsed during a worship service, leaving several congregants injured.
The incident occurred at the United Methodist Church Nigeria (UMCN), located behind the Divisional Police Office in the town. According to eyewitnesses, the building gave way amid a torrential downpour accompanied by powerful winds, catching worshippers by surprise and sending the congregation into chaos.
New Daily Prime sources gathered that the structure began to shake before parts of the roof and walls came crashing down, causing panic and injuries among the worshippers gathered for the Sunday service.
Victims Rushed for Treatment
Emergency response was swift. Injured congregants were immediately transported to Mutum-Biyu Referral Hospital, while others with more serious injuries—particularly fractures—were taken to a traditional bone setter in the community.
According to the daily trust, Alhaji Baffa Wanzami, a well-known local bone specialist, stated that
“It is very sad that some worshippers sustained fractures and other injuries during their service,” Wanzami said. “Three of them, including a girl, were brought to me with arm and leg fractures. I’ve treated their injuries and they’re currently recovering.”
Wider Damage Across Mutum-Biyu
The church collapse was not the only damage recorded from the storm. Residents in the area reported that the strong winds also destroyed several homes in the town.
Musa Adamu, a long-time resident of Mutum-Biyu, told New Daily Prime that the windstorm was unusually violent.
“The wind was fierce. Some houses lost their roofs, and fences came down. The town hasn’t experienced something like this in a long while,” Adamu said.
Investigation and Response
Authorities in Gassol Local Government have yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident. However, local emergency officials and church members have begun assessing the extent of structural damage and providing assistance to those affected.
Community leaders are also urging the state government to improve building regulation enforcement, particularly in public structures like churches and schools, many of which were built decades ago and may no longer meet modern safety standards.
The pastor of the UMCN church, who was present at the time of the collapse, declined to comment but confirmed that prayers are ongoing for the quick recovery of the injured and that services will be temporarily relocated.
A Call for Structural Audits
Following Sunday’s tragedy, civil society organizations in Taraba are calling on local authorities to conduct structural integrity audits of religious and community buildings across the state to prevent further occurrences.
An official from the state chapter of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, who asked to remain anonymous, emphasized the need for proactive inspections:
“Many buildings, especially in rural communities, are aging and were not constructed with today’s building codes. Events like this highlight the urgent need for regular inspections and reinforcement.”
Community in Mourning, But United
While no fatalities have been reported, the emotional toll on the worshippers and their families remains heavy. Members of the affected church held a small prayer vigil on Sunday evening in solidarity with those hospitalized.
Local youth volunteers have since joined emergency workers in clearing debris and salvaging undamaged church property.
New Daily Prime will continue to monitor the situation in Mutum-Biyu and bring updates as local authorities respond to the incident.
