All set for forensic analysis of Synagogue victims

The Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, has concluded the collection of DNA samples for forensic analysis and identification of 115 victims of the collapsed building at the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN).

Olawale Oke, a professor and the chief medical director of the hospital, made this known at a news conference in Lagos on Wednesday.

Oke said that the hospital sent the specimens to South Africa and was awaiting the results of the analyses.

He added that since 80 per cent of the victims were South Africans, an arrangement was made with a competent laboratory in South Africa to conduct the test there in order to alleviate the stress of the relatives coming down to Nigeria.

“I can tell you that the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital has collected the samples of family members of victims of the collapsed building for DNA testing at a pathology and forensic medicine,” he said.

“This is to ensure that all victims of the collapsed building are properly identified and delivered to their various families for burial rites.

“The post-mortem for all of them have been conducted, the dental recognition process done, X-rays have been done where necessary; so, we are just waiting for the results to be out. The DNA is being done free.”

Francis Williams, the chairman of the LASUTH board, said that the hospital had the capacity to effectively manage crises and emergencies within the state.

A guest house at the headquarters of the church had collapsed on September 12, leaving 115 dead and many others injured.

The church authorities claimed that it was a terrorist attack but the Lagos state government set up a coroner’s inquest to establish the cause of the incident.

The inquest formally began at the Lagos state high court on October 13 and the cornoer has since visited the church to make further enquiries.

Its next sitting is billed for Friday.