Yemisi Izuora
Tears and memories of loss of dear ones filled the air when families and friends of victims of the ill-fated Dana aircraft that went down at Iju Ishaga, in Lagos state marked anniversary of the incident.
The bereaved families had gathered for prayers at the crash site where the Lagos State government had erected a cenotaph in honour of the victims.
The accident occurred on June 3, 2012.
The most unfortunate revelation during the ceremony were claims of inadequate compensation to beneficiaries.
With tears rolling through her cheek, Kikelemo Awodogan who lost her husband in the crash, and spoke on behalf of the victims’ families, said “It has been three years of loneliness, pain and anguish for many families, it has not been easy for many of us.
For how long will I continue to lie to my little son that his father is in America?”.
Also Titilayo Shobowale, another widow, lamented that only 30 percent of the compensation due to the family had so far been paid to her.
According to her, The family lawyer has been struggling to make sure that we are adequately compensated but up till now, it has not materialised. I want to appeal to both the federal and Lagos State governments to prevail on the airline to pay the compensation.
Another relative who lost three of her family members in the crash, Weremara Amadi Awa, alleged that the airline made it difficult for victims’ families to get the compensation.
But the Head, Corporate Communications of Dana Air, Samuel Ogbogoro, denied the allegations, saying only those who did not fill the necessary documents were yet to receive their compensation from the insurance company handling the matter.
“Compensation matters are being handled by our insurance company and we can confirm that all the families that have completed the documentation process have been fully paid. A fraction of others are yet to receive final settlements as some have claims under litigation before a Federal High Court in Lagos as well as in Florida and Illinois in USA”, he said.
He added that he would not be able to give specifics on the compensation issue.
“We are however not able to give individual details as we respect the privacy of the affected families and our prayer is for God to console and heal their wounds,” he said.