by Damilola Jagun

The families of the victims of the September 12 building collapse at the Synagogue Church of all Nations, which killed 116 people, will be flown to Lagos to spend Christmas and New Year with the church’s leader, Prophet T.B Joshua.

According to a statement by the church spokesperson, Kirsten Nematandani, the church understands that the families are going through a difficult time, and as such, intends to offer them sympathy and condolences.

Nematandani said: “The prophet has invited the families of the deceased to come and spend time out there at the synagogue with the other church members for Christmas and very importantly, the end of the year candlelight services. The purpose is to spend time with the families. As we know the families are going through a difficult time, this is part of the process the church is undergoing.”

“We want to express messages of sympathy and condolences to those families and hoping that the time will come when those bodies will come home. The church will be on the ground with them, sending them love and support from TB Joshua, even though it could be seen as a black Christmas.”

Furthermore Nematandani revealed that the church would take care of the finances of the entire trip, while those who cannnot make the trip at this point in time, have been invited to come at a subsequent time.

“The church members would also offer the bereaved families spiritual and emotional support and they would have a chance to interact with Prophet TB Joshua. He would fund the entire trip including all transport, accommodation, meals and visa applications.”

Those families who were unable to visit the church because they did not have documentation or already had other plans were invited to come to the church at a later stage. The families visiting the church would spend their time attending church services and programmes,” Nematandani added.

Kolapo Olapoju