Church Demands N35 Million Compensation From Microfinance Bank Over Collapsed Mast, Claims Cleric Left Homeless
The Methodist Church of Nigeria, Ikot Omin, Eno Abasi Circuit Diocese in Calabar, Cross River State, has called on the management of Ekondo Microfinance Bank to pay N35 million in compensation after a telecom mast belonging to the bank collapsed and destroyed the residence of the Minister in-charge, Rev. Evans Uwaoma Obiokor.
Speaking to newsmen on Thursday, Bishop Otuekong Ukut of the Atamunu Diocese said the fallen mast along the 8 Miles axis on Calabar Road has rendered the cleric and his family homeless. He stated that a preliminary survey by an architect valued the property lost at N35 million.
“We have already sent an architect to go through each of the items, and the preliminary survey has shown N35 million for the loss,” Bishop Ukut said. He listed the destroyed items to include three buildings – the office, minister’s residence where he lived with his wife and children, as well as the service quarters and back house hit by the mast.
The Bishop added that the damage extended to roofs, woodwork, electrical wiring, appliances, electronics, office equipment, books, computers and photocopiers. “It’s a massive damage,” he lamented.
While the bank’s management has not officially communicated with the church or taken responsibility, Bishop Ukut revealed that during his visit to the bank’s premises, he found the mast’s base to be rotten with no evidence of maintenance or environmental impact assessment conducted.
“The poles were rotten, with several perforations laced with rust that could not stand the test of time. It’s something that should have been removed if the organization were to be on alert,” he stated.
The Bishop said although no lives were lost, the church expects the “responsible” bank to compensate them, failing which legal action may be initiated. However, when our correspondent visited the bank, the Branch Manager Mrs. Joy Koku said she had no authority to comment on the incident.
