Ovia River Bridge: Rep Idahosa Worries Over Imminent Danger

Hon. Dennis Idahosa has raised the alarm over imminent danger on the Ovia River Bridge in Edo State if the defects on the busy Benin-Ore highway bridge is not urgently addressed.

Idahosa who represents Ovia federal constituency in the House of Representatives raised the alarm while condoling with the families of 11 commuters who lost their lives on the bridge on Thursday morning.

The immediate past chairman on committee on Legislative Compliance recalled the efforts he made in the past to address the issues surrounding the Ovia River 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 this unfortunate incident,” he stated.

However, Idahosa 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.

The lawmaker promised to push for an immediate investigation into the cause of the accident and the subsequent collapse of the bridge.

According to him, “It is essential to identify the factors that led to this devastating incident to prevent any future reoccurrence.

“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.”

Recalled the 11 persons died while eight others sustained injuries in a ghastly accident that involved an 18 seater bus and a truck belonging to Dangote on the bridge.

It was gathered that the incident occurred at the Ovia river bridge notorious for accidents due to a failed section of the road and the bridge by the river.

It was gathered that a truck heading towards Benin from Lagos on top speed rammed into the bus that was said to have slowed down at the failed portion of the road.

It was also gathered that some of the occupants of the bus and victims were coming from Lagos after attending a programme organized by a popular Lagos based church.