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'They Die As Martyrs….'- TB Joshua On SCOAN Collapse

Published

10 years ago

September 18, 2014

One of the top Prophets, the founder and the General Overseer of the Synagogue Church Of All Nations (SCOAN) Temitope Balogun Joshua has issued one more message on the tragic collapse of Ikotun guest house belonging to the Church.
The statement, officially published in the late hours of September 17, 2014, Wednesday, also debunked the allegations that the church members prevented officials of doing search and rescue operations.
“The pain of one is the pain of all,” the message read, adding that the sufferings of relatives and friends of those who lost their lives or sustained injuries was equally the pain of the SCOAN and the leader of the Synagogue Church.
The statement did not give exact figures, but confirmed that Nigerians, South Africans and representatives of other nations were among victims of the collapse on September 12, 2014, Friday, around 12.44pm.
T.B.Joshua’s message noted once again that the tragedy was preceded by the appearance of a strange aircraft, which at low altitude close to the building. The mysterious plane was spotted four times during less than 1-hour interval.
“Since the day of this incident, The Synagogue, Church Of All Nations, its members and partners, have worked in collaboration with the Nigerian, South African and other nations’ authorities to ensure that survivors are rescued, attended to with the best medical treatment, cared for in the most humane and hospitable manner and reunited with their families, while those who passed on – martyrs of the Kingdom of God – are retrieved, identified and treated respectfully,” the message read.
The SCOAN confirmed that proper cooperation has been established with the governments of Nigeria and South Africa, Lagos State Government, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Lagos State Ministry of Health – doctors and nurses, the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), the Red Cross, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Nigeria Police Force. The Church noted that different humanitarian organisations, NGOs, construction and engineering corporations were also a part of the efforts to liquidate the consequences of the tragedy.
“It is very sad that inaccurate reports are coming from some quarters that we are not cooperating with the rescue teams and other agencies in collating information and providing assistance on the incident. Contrary to this, we want to categorically state that the church has provided assistance when and where required and continues to do so – good Christians are good citizens.
“We emphasise our commitment to cooperate with all relevant authorities in establishing the cause of the collapse of the building. The church views this tragedy as part of an attack on The Synagogue, Church Of All Nations and in particular, Prophet T.B. Joshua. In due course, God will reveal the perpetrators of this unfortunate tragedy,” the statement added.
The Synagogue was also thankful to all who showed their solidarity, worked hard and shared their condolences in the hard times. Those who were mentioned inclused the above-mentioned non-Governmental and Governmental bodies, Diplomatic Missions, National and International media houses, society groups, traditional rulers.
A special thanks goes to all the concerned citizens and the residents of Ikotun-Egbe local community. The SCOAN appreciates prayers and support of its members, partners and all good Christians worldwide.
“ To all those who lost family members and loved ones, please accept our heart-felt commiserations. No one knows by the present sign or situation what the future holds. We must therefore live each day as if it were our last and leave tomorrow’s trouble for the One who bore our troubles on the cross. We thank God for the martyrs and we pray for the family members and loved ones left behind,” the statement concluded.
The tragic collapse of Synagogue Church guest house has claimed 80 lives. At least 67 victims were from South Africa. Over 130 people escaped death.
One of the latest survivors, a South African woman, was rescued from the debris on Monday. Currently, around 20 nationals of this country receive treatment in Nigerian hospitals.