President Muhammadu Buhari late on Saturday night reacted to the collapse, earlier in the day, of the building of the Reigners Bible Church, Uyo, expressing sadness over the development.

A statement issued towards midnight by Presidential Spokesman Garba Shehu said Buhari reacted to the tragic incident during a late night telephone conversation with Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel. It is not clear who among the two leaders initiated the call.

The statement said: “President Muhammadu Buhari has ended a conversation a while ago with the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel in which he congratulated the Governor and his family on their lucky escape from the tragic collapse of the building of the Reigners Bible Church, Uyo.

“The President also conveyed to the Governor and the People of Akwa Ibom State, the deep sorrow of his family, the government and the entire people of Nigeria over the many deaths and injury recorded following the incident.

“In praying for the repose of the souls of the deceased and the quick recovery of the injured, President Buhari implored the people of the state, especially those in the catchment area of the incident to rally around the victims of the tragedy to help ease their sorrow and pains.

“He commended the Government of the state for the handling of the situation, so far.”

•Photo shows President Buhari.