News
House of Representatives Calls for Funding to Improve Access to Bellview Crash Site
The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to allocate funds in the 2025 budget for the construction and rehabilitation of the road leading to the site of the Bellview air crash. This move aims to facilitate access for families wishing to honor their loved ones lost in the tragic incident.
The resolution emerged during a session on Wednesday, prompted by a motion of urgent public importance introduced by Mr. Ibrahim Ayokunle, the representative for Ifo/Ewekoro Federal Constituency in Ogun State. The motion, titled “Need to rehabilitate the road and bridges leading to the site of the ill-fated Bellview Boeing 737-200 Airline Flight 210 from Lagos to Abuja,” resonated deeply with lawmakers, evoking painful memories.
On October 22, 2005, Bellview Airlines Flight 210, a domestic passenger flight, tragically crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in the loss of all 117 passengers on board.
Ayokunle highlighted the challenges faced by the families of the victims, who have been unable to pay their respects due to the deteriorating condition of the access roads and the collapsed bridges over the Awela and Alapako Rivers. He remarked, “The families of the deceased passengers cannot perform their normal tributes and prayers because of the severely damaged road and bridges, which have been affected by flooding and erosion.”
Following a unanimous vote in favor of the motion, the House instructed the Committees on Ecological Funds, Appropriations, and Aviation to ensure provisions are made in the 2025 budget to address these infrastructural issues, thereby improving access for families.
Additionally, the House mandated the Ecological Project Office, through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, to undertake immediate road repairs, dredging, channelization, and bridge construction at Awela and Alapako Rivers. This initiative aims to facilitate visits to the crash site, allowing families to pay their respects appropriately.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported its seventh partial grid collapse in 2024. Despite the recurring issue, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, reassured the public that efforts to restore power are well underway, with about 90% of substations receiving bulk power.
Mbah noted that the Azura Power Station initiated the grid recovery, although a minor setback occurred. However, power supply has been restored to the Abuja region and other key distribution centers. The Ibom Gas Generating Station remained unaffected, continuing to supply power to the South-South region.
An investigation into the cause of the collapse will commence once full grid restoration is achieved.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic tanker explosion in Jigawa State, which claimed over 100 lives. In a statement issued by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, extended condolences to the affected families, praying for strength and comfort in their time of grief.
Shettima assured the public that the federal government is mobilizing resources to support the injured and assist those affected. He has directed the immediate deployment of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide aid. The Vice President also stressed the need for a review of fuel transportation safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
In a separate statement, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu offered her condolences to Jigawa Governor Umar Namadi and the people of Jigawa, praying for peace and comfort for the families affected. She called the incident “unfortunate” and extended prayers for the recovery of the injured and the repose of the souls lost in the tragedy.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has revealed that it intercepted a total of 10,598 pieces of arms and 114,929 rounds of ammunition valued at N9.58 billion over the past six years. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made this disclosure during a press conference on enforcement activities in Zone A.
Adeniyi highlighted that 60% of these seizures occurred in 2023, reflecting the Customs’ increased efforts to curb arms smuggling. He also mentioned that recent operations such as Operation Whirlwind and Operation Swift Sting are part of a strategic response to tackle evolving smuggling tactics.
In addition to arms seizures, the Customs CG announced the largest pangolin scale seizure since 2020, with 9,493 kg of scales confiscated in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission. The joint operation led to four arrests across Kano, Kaduna, and Lagos. The NCS continues to intensify efforts against wildlife trafficking, targeting supply routes in northern Nigeria and border areas.
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