While Nigerians are still counting only 45 persons dead, South Africa on Tuesday said
Sixty-seven of her citizens died in the building collapse that occurred at the Synagogue Church of All Nations in Nigeria. This was contained in a statement by President Jacob Zuma.
Scores more sustained injuries when the multi-storey guesthouse belonging to the church collapsed on Friday.
“This is a particularly difficult time for South Africa. Not in the recent history of our country have we had this large number of our people die in one incident outside the country,” said Zuma.
“Our thoughts are with the families, friends and colleagues that have lost their loved ones in this heart-breaking tragedy.
“The whole nation shares the pain of the mothers, fathers, daughters and sons who have lost their loved ones. We are all in grief,” he said.
Zuma said he had directed various government departments to ensure that relatives of the deceased were taken to Nigeria to identify their loved one’s bodies.
Government wanted to ensure that the bodies were repatriated as soon as possible.
Zuma thanked the families of the deceased and the Nigerian government for their co-operation with the South African government.
He also extended his condolences to Nigeria and all other nations affected by this tragedy.
“May the souls of the departed compatriots rest in peace,” he said.