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From Joe Effiong, Uyo
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has consoled the family of Chief Samingo Etokakpan of Afaha Eket, who lost four members of his family in last week’s fatal accident in Edo State.
Most of the victims of the accident were members of the Salvation Army Church, Akwa Ibom Territory, who were returning from a church event in Lagos.
Governor Eno, who led a delegation of the state government functionaries, conveyed his condolences when he called at the family residence, number 8, Nnama Street, Afaha Eket, Eket LGA, described the incident as pathetic and a great loss, not just to the families and the Salvation Army Church, but, also, the state at large.
Consoling the family, the governor said the family and others who lost their loved ones were not alone in the grief, as the government and people of the state share in their trying time.
“In time like this, words fail us…, I don’t really know how to start consoling this family. But I know that the holy spirit could do more than we can do. So, I am asking the holy spirit to take over, and be the comforter to you at this time.
“We feel this pain because these people are first Akwa Ibomites and human beings. Again, one would tend to query God because they were coming back from church. But we can’t query God because he is an all sovereign.
“And so, we are here, today, as human beings to pay you this condolence. We are here with the leadership of the state as it for now. And we may not be able to go round every home even though we will identify all of the families. We will pay condolence to the church only.
“I have spoken to the Territorial Commander and we are monitoring events. I know you too well. So, I said I am in, I had to come here to pay this condolences, hoping that it will bring any soothing and comfort to you at this time. As a state, we feel sad and we pray that God will rest the souls of all the departed children. I am trusting that they die for a good course,” the governor said.
He urged the Etokakpan family to be consoled in the word of God, knowing that the children lost their lives for a good cause while in the service of God, referring to the departed as true soldiers of Christ.
Eno gave the assurance that government would pay condolences and reach out to other families whose loved ones met their tragic end in the auto crash, while also working with the church to provide support to the families, especially as regards the funeral of those who have departed.
The Head of Etokakpan family, Chief Samingo Etokakpan, who received the government delegation, expressed gratitude to Governor Eno for his thoughtfulness, having identified with them in their trying times, praying God to guide him to continue to provide a people centred leadership in the state.
