By Kelechi Esogwa-Amadi
Churches that violate the Rivers State government’s laws on the mounting of billboards are now in for serious trouble, TPCN learns.
This is coming at the heels of a tragedy in which nine members of a church suffered electrocution while mounting an illegal billboard at Rumuosi, Obio)Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State on Monday.
Five of the church members died on the spot while four are currently receiving medical attention at a hospital. But an informed source revealed that it is not yet clear if they will survive the shock.
The metal billboard, which they were trying to mount without the state government’s approval, had touched a high tension wire, causing the electrocution.
Infuriated over the incident, the Rivers State Government, through its Signage and Advertising Agency, RSSAA, sealed the premises of the church while the police arrested the assistant pastor of the church.
The state police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko has revealed that investigation into the incident was ongoing.
Meanwhile, Tony Okeha, Managing Director of the state’s signage agency, RSSAA, has confirmed that the church and the nine people, who attempted to mount the Billboard did not seek government approval before the act.
“They do not have any approval from the agency. We have spent time warning people against illegal activities such as this. We regret what has happened but this will serve as a deterrent that people should learn how to do things the proper way.
“The agency regulates what billboard structures should be erected where and whether it will cause visual blind or accident and all such consequences. We go out every day to remove illegal structures because of where they are erected and because of the low standard,” he told journalists.
He warned churches and other institutions erecting billboards without the agency’s authorization to desist from such illegal acts as anyone arrested will not be spared.
