A day the Abule-Ado commu-
nity, in Festac Phase II of
Lagos State, the Congrega-
tion of the Sisters of to Sacred Heart
Of Jesus, Bethlehem Girls College and
Nigerians at large will never forget.
On Sunday the 15th of March 2020,
during the Eucharist Celebration held
at the School Chapel of Bethlehem
Girls College Abule-Ado, owned
by the Archdiocese of Lagos and
managed by the Institute of the Sisters
of the Sacred Heart Of Jesus. Just
as the Priest Rev. Fr. David Melaba,
was about to preach the homily, the
students noticed an unusual smoke
above inside the chapel. The princi-
pal, Rev. Sr. Henrietta Alokha, SSH
calmly but in a clear voice, told the
students to move towards the back
door of the chapel. At that moment
she stepped out and spoke to another
sister in hush tone, she tried to made
calls across to the fire service and al-
most immediately entered the chapel
again and announced to the students
to move towards the convent. She
shielded all the students and tried to
make sure they don’t stampede each
other. She was afraid yet calm seeing
all the students evacuate the chapel.
It was at this point that a very loud
thunderous sound that shook the
whole community and beyond leav-
ing over fifty buildings with Bethle-
hem Girls College terribly damaged.
Unfortunately, Sr. Henrietta Alokha,
SSH and a female security staff died in
the process of making sure the students
were safe. Report has it that; Sr. Henri-
etta could not see two of the students
after rescuing the others, so she went in
search of them even when she was told
not too, she preferred to take the risk
to save the missing two, who shortly
after she left ran out from a different
direction to join the others. But Sister
trying to make it back after the search
got hit on the head with a cut by the
collapsing roof. Later on, three other
staff were reported dead, as they were
trapped in the staff quarters that lay in
ruins beyond recognition.
Some students who sustained injuries
was as a result of the rush to leave
the chapel, they were helped by well
meaning Nigerians and taken to nearby
hospitals for medical assistance. They
have long being reunited with their
parents.
To the Glory of God none of the stu-
dents died, because our great Heroine,
Sister, Mother and Principal paid the
supreme Sacrifice with the witnessing
of her life.
Even as lives were not spared at the
effect of the explosion so also were
properties. The staff quarter, Adminis-
trative building, Refectory and hostel
building were levelled to the ground,
only the convent building standing with
some part damaged and roofless.
We wish to in our great moment of
grieve commiserate with the families of
all those who lost their lives and homes.
We pray for the repose of their souls
and quick recovery for those injured.
The cause of this explosion has not
really being ascertained, however, some
allude it to a truck that hit a stack of
gas cylinders close to its station, while
others believe it was a bomb blast.
Whatever, it is, will not bring the dead
back. But one thing is sure the society
has failed Sr. Henrietta Alokha, SSH
and all those who died. May they Rest
In Peace. Amen.
