Panic as church collapses during service in Taraba

Worshippers at a branch of the United Methodist Church of Nigeria (UMCN) in Mutum-Biyu, the headquarters of Gassol Local Government Area, Taraba State, were thrown into panic on Sunday when the church building suddenly collapsed during service.

The incident occurred amid a heavy rainstorm accompanied by fierce winds that battered the town, weakening the church structure and causing it to cave in.

According to eyewitnesses, the congregation was in the middle of the service when a loud crack was heard before parts of the building gave way. Chaos erupted as people scrambled for safety.

While no fatalities were recorded, several worshippers sustained varying degrees of injuries. Emergency responders and good Samaritans quickly rushed the injured to the Mutum-Biyu Referral Hospital for urgent medical attention. Those who suffered bone fractures were reportedly taken to a local traditional bone healer in the town for treatment.

Speaking to our correspondent, Alhaji Baffa Wanzami, a well-known bone healer in the area, confirmed that three of the injured, including a young girl with fractures to her arms and legs, were brought to him for treatment.

“It’s a sad incident. Some of the worshippers who sustained fractures, including a little girl, were brought to me and I’ve treated them,” Wanzami said.

Another resident, Musa Adamu, revealed that the windstorm also destroyed several houses in Mutum-Biyu during the downpour.