The parish council of St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area (LGA) has paid  a sympathy visit to fire disaster victims at Amawbia Roundabout.

The disaster occurred on February 9, as a result of the tanker laden with gas that fell-off, spilling its contents in an attempt to negotiate the roundabout while speeding.

Seven died, some others injured while not less than 30 shops were razed in the process.

Among victims were five members of St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, Amawbia, whose shops and wares were gutted by the fire.

In a speech during the visit,  Reverend Father Valentine Ofomata, parish priest, said that he was saddened at the incident as wares worth millions of naira including lives and vehicles were lost.

Ofomata said the visit was to show solidarity to the affected parishioners as members of the same faith.

The clergy, while describing the incident as unfortunate, urged the victims, who lost valuables to take solace in the Lord, noting that it was not the end of the world.

Chris Nwoye, parish council secretary, while presenting envelops to them enjoined them to trust in divine providence for breakthrough.

Responding, one of the victims, Bella Okonkwo expressed joy at the gesture.

He commended the council for their benevolence and prayed God to replenish the council’s coffers.

Okonkwo noted that those wares were ephemeral and that in spite of all, their survival was worth more than goods lost in the disaster.

Another victim, Ginika Ezeh also thanked the council for sharing in their suffering.

She thanked them for their magnanimity, praying God to bless them abundantly.

Other victims also thanked the council for coming to their rescue.