October 23, (THEWILL) — Former Spokesperson for Vice President Atiku Abubakar Presidential Campaign, Chief Segun Sowunmi, has called for the joint efforts of the Federal, State and Local Governments, to urgently repair the deplorable road leading to Bellview plane crash site in Lisa community, Ifo Local Government Area, Ogun State.
Sowunmi equally tasked the three tiers of government to clear the bush surrounding the site of the crash, which occurred 20 years ago.
THEWILL recalls that in 2005, a Bellview Airline Flight 210 crashed on October 22, 2005, in Lisa community, resulting in the death of 177 passengers and all on board. A memorial arcade was built in their honour featuring victims tombstones and their names
Sowunmi, while speaking on the incident, expressed sorrow over the neglect of the site by past administration at the centre, state and council level, lamenting the dilapidated structure of the arcade overtaken by bush, as well as the deplorable conditions of the road leading to the site.
He called on the Federal and State Ministry of works and Ifo Local Government authority to join forces together in clearing the bush, fixing the road and restoring the memorial site to give the state a national respect and turn the venue to a tourist site.
He urged the government to partner with aviation stakeholders, local communities, and civil societies, to build the community into a proper memorial and research site that reflects Nigeria’s commitment to safety, remembrance, and compassion.
“It is unfortunate that twenty years after one of the darkest moments in our aviation history, Lisa Village, which should be a national monument of remembrance, has been left in disrepair. The road leading to the site is almost impassable, and the graves of our compatriots are being swallowed by bushes.
“We cannot continue to treat sites of national tragedy with such disregard. The victims of the Bellview crash deserve honour, not abandonment.
“The government must take responsibility by clearing the area, paving the road, and ensuring the place is preserved as a heritage site for reflection and learning.
“Let Lisa not remain a symbol of neglect, but a place that reminds us of the value of human life and the need for continuous improvement in our systems”, he stated.
Seun Shotunde, THEWILL
