The management of Christ Embassy Church, Oregun, Lagos, vehemently prevented journalists from accessing the scene of the fire incident that broke out at the church’s former headquarters in Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos.
The fire broke out in the church around 7:30 a.m. while the members were arriving for service.
It was alleged that the church members had prevented those who came around to help quench the fire before the arrival of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) but they were restricted.
The action of respondents was over fear that the fire could spread to a gas station behind the church’s building. Journalists who were asked to stay away were also asked not to film.
Speaking, Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS), Margaret Adeyeye, said: “The fire outbreak at the Christ Embassy in Ikeja should not cause alarm. No life was lost in the incident and it’s under control.”
All efforts to speak to the management of the church were abortive as they kept tight lips and prevented journalists from accessing the scene of the incident.
Meanwhile, President and founder of Loveworld Incorporated, Chris Oyakhilome, has reacted to the fire incident.
Speaking in one of the church services, Oyakhilome said the inferno presents an opportunity for the church to build a bigger and more befitting edifice.
“Some years ago, I wished I had a better design for the affected place. But then, it would have required that we take off the roof. But now, I’ve got the opportunity to have something better there.
“When something like this happens, what does God think? God just gives us an opportunity to do something about it. What are we going to do?
“The house is gone, we clear out the place and build a better one. A more beautiful one. That is what we are going to do. Let the devil lick his wounds.
“We must look at life from the spiritual. This is not what we call an accident. Everything that happens in our lives is all planned.”
