Rep Member Speaks On Implications Of Ovia Bridge Collapse

The House of Representatives member representing Ovia Federal Constituency of Edo State, Mr. Dennis Idahosa, has expressed worries that the Ovia River Bridge on the Benin-Lagos expressway might collapse if the concerned authorities failed to address the defects on the bridge and the failed portion of the road close to the bridge.

It would be recalled that the Ovia River bridge has been a flash spot of incessant accidents on the axis of the road, claiming an uncountable number of lives, the latest being the last Thursday’s accident during which 11 persons died on the spot and eight others seriously injured.

Idahosa, in a statement issued in Benin on Friday to condole with the families of the victims of the latest accident, lamented that all the efforts made in the past to avert the Thursday accident had proved abortive as the Ovia River bridge remained a deathtrap to commuters alike on the road.The immediate past Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Legislative Compliance, recalled such efforts to include motions for the rehabilitation of the failed portion of the bridge and the reinforcement of the iron barricades on the bridge.

“My motion for the rehabilitation of the failed portion of the bridge was crucial in ensuring the safety of commuters. However, it is disheartening to hear that it was the defect on the bridge that led to this unfortunate incident,” hIdahosa lamented.

He said that he was deeply saddened to learn about the tragic accident that occurred in the early hours of Thursday, 29th June, at the Ovia River Bridge that resulted in the loss of many precious lives.

“On behalf of the people of Ovia Federal Constituency, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims during this time of immense grief and sorrow,” he mourned.

The lawmaker promised to push for an immediate investigation into the cause of the accident and the subsequent collapse of the bridge, “It is essential to identify the factors that led to this devastating incident to prevent any future recurrence.

The immediate past Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Legislative Compliance, recalled such efforts to include motions for the rehabilitation of the failed portion of the bridge and the reinforcement of the iron barricades on the bridge.

“My motion for the rehabilitation of the failed portion of the bridge was crucial in ensuring the safety of commuters. However, it is disheartening to hear that it was the defect on the bridge that led to this unfortunate incident,” hIdahosa lamented.

He said that he was deeply saddened to learn about the tragic accident that occurred in the early hours of Thursday, 29th June, at the Ovia River Bridge that resulted in the loss of many precious lives.

“On behalf of the people of Ovia Federal Constituency, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims during this time of immense grief and sorrow,” he mourned.

The lawmaker promised to push for an immediate investigation into the cause of the accident and the subsequent collapse of the bridge, “It is essential to identify the factors that led to this devastating incident to prevent any future recurrence.

“The safety and well-being of my constituents is a top priority, and all necessary measures to ensure the integrity and reliability of our infrastructure must be taken. In light of this unfortunate event, I want to assure the families that I share in their moments of grief and that my thoughts and prayers are with them in this difficult time.

Once again, I extend my deepest condolences to the affected families and pray that they find the strength and courage to overcome this unimaginable loss. May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace.”

It would be recalled that 11 persons died while eight others sustained injuries in a ghastly accident that involved an 18-seater commercial bus and an articulated truck belonging to Dangote on the bridge.