3 worrying things about the Uyo incident

yinka ogunlami

December 13, 2016 2:21 PM

So, a couple of days ago, a church building collapsed in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State.

Rubble from the Reigners Bible Church building collapse.

So, a couple of days ago, a church building collapsed in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State. The pastor of the church was reportedly about to be ordained a bishop.

The building caved in.

The death toll has reportedly risen to 200 … and counting.

Three things I find worrying:

1. …

Some people found out on Facebook because some cruel, insensitive creatures shared the pictures on social media. I am not sure what it says about this country, that when people are hurt or dying, another person has the presence of mind to take pictures or make videos, which they proceed to send to bloggers.

As some bloggers are actually humane and refused to post the actual pictures that had the dead or the dying, these dissatisfied creatures posted the pictures on social media themselves.

I've spent two days, blocking people on Facebook; if you honestly don't see what's wrong with posting pictures of people in their most vulnerable state, on social media, you are evil.

Not an ignoramus, just evil. Some people's loved ones are yet to be officially informed. And they will go online and see their loved ones' pictures everywhere. Yep, evil.

This wasn't an accident; this was criminal negligence. Just as it was in T. B. Joshua's case. But nothing was done, because … Nigeria. It is because they know that nothing will be done, that some go building unsafe structures for human beings to be in. At least three people need to go to jail – the owner of the building who gathered human beings into such a building; the architect; and the structural engineer.

I came across a long-ass post by Ini Edo (who is more infamous for her appalling dress sense, than her painfully shoddy acting skills, the sum of which is rolling her eyes; AMVCA red carpets, anyone?) and I cannot understand how any human being can be so mean.

I don't know if it is true that she was really en route to the church; I mean it wouldn't be the first time a celebrity has not been completely honest about being where they definitely weren't … there was that helicopter crash and Timi Dakolo … but I don't understand where anyone gets off being so insensitive. While it isn't a problem to thank whatever deity you say you serve for the nice things you have, you are a crass and horrid person if you can only do so in relation to someone else's lack.

You can only be grateful for your kids when you see a woman who's desperate for kids? You can only be thankful for your life when you see someone who's dead? You can only be thankful when you see someone who lacks?

Because there's a special plan for your life, as opposed to those who don't have what you have? There are people who say they believe who/what you do, who are in pain and will be asking why their loved ones weren't saved by the same one that saved you.

Yet, you'll go on social media and rub salt in their wound? If you can only be thankful when you compare yourself with another person and their situation, you are the definition of an ingrate. And you are a terrible ambassador for whatever deity you say you are fronting for.

yinka ogunlami