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Uncertainties Over Bellview Flight • Left Lagos 8.30pm, Not In Abuja As At 2.30am
• 108 Passengers, 6 Crew Members On Board BY TUNJI OKETUNBI, ASST AVIATION EDITOR
Panic, anxiety and tension ruled the aviation sector last night till early hours of today over the fate of a Bellview aircraft, which reportedly departed Lagos at 8.30pm but had not been seen at its destination Abuja as at 2.30am.
The aircraft — Bellview 210— operated with a B737-200A series, the last flight of the airline for the day, according to the Manifest, had 110 passengers and six crewmembers on board — 116 persons in all. But a statement from Bellview recorded 108 passengers.
It was said to have lost contact with the air traffic control towers a few minutes after it left the domestic wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos.
A statement signed by Habib Muhammed, head of the airline’s Corporate Affairs, released at about 2.20am said: “The management of Bellview Airlines deeply regret to announce that our flight number Bellview 210, that left Lagos at 20.30 local time enroute Abuja on Saturday October 22nd, 2005 lost contact with the control tower shortly after take-off. The flight was operated with B737-200A series.
“As at this point in time we have not been able to confirm the whereabouts of the aircraft”.
The statement added: “In collaboration with the appropriate authorities all efforts are being made to locate the aircraft with her compliment of 108 passengers and its crew of six totalling 114 souls.
“The authorities are setting up information briefing centre at Murtala Muhammed International Airport press centre Lagos. We advise all enquiries to be directed to the authorities at the press centre and the following number 01-7919314. The authorities will announce additional telephone numbers in due course”.
Concluding the statement promised that “the authorities will provide the details of passenger manifest and updates”, adding, “We ask everyone to join us in prayers at this critical time”.
Other telephone numbers announced on television early this morning were: 08033119731 (Jide), and 08056024322 (Segun).
All through the night, the control tower and the airline officials struggled to establish contact with the aircraft but to no avail.
Nobody was sure what fate might have befallen the aircraft, and its passengers.
Aviation authorities early this morning, appealed for calm, warning against any speculation about fate of the aircraft and its passengers. According to officials, there are several possibilities that could be considered when such an incident occurs in aviation.
Among such is the possibility of the flight having been diverted to an airport in any of the neighbouring countries. This, officials said, could be as a result of any emergency recorded in the course of the flight. There have been such cases in the past, said an official, while disclosing that the towers had been making contacts with airports in Accra, Ghana, Cotonou in Republic of Benin, and Yaunde in Cameroun among others.
“We are still making contacts with the other neighbouring countries”, said the official, adding “but I assure you this is the most likely possibility. It is a normal thing in aviation if the pilot discovers that he could not land at its destination due to certain emergencies”.
“It is possible also that the aircraft got lost in the sky, and is still hovering around trying to find its bearing. That is why we have been frantically trying to establish contact with it”, disclosed officials at the control towers in Lagos”.
They added, “Our colleagues in Abuja are also doing same, and we have put other airports in the country as well as in neighbouring countries on the alert”.
Though noting that this was a feature of aviation operation, the officials said sometimes it could produce mixed results. They reminded of the case of an Okada airline aircraft, which got lost in the air in the eighties but was found hours later to have crashed in the desert in remote part of Sokoto State.
Another possibility, said an official, is that it could have been hijacked. “ Though very rare occurrence in this part, we have witnessed this in the past, especially in the wake of the annulment of the 1993 presidential elections when certain men in the name of Movement for the Advancement of Democracy, (MAD), hijacked an aircraft and diverted it to Niger Republic.”
He noted quickly however that “this is a very remote possibility cause indeed.”
A fourth possibility, which the officials said they fervently hoped would not come to pass, is a crash. “We pray this is not the fate of the aircraft. It will be too sad a tale for the sector”, said an official.
Sat Oct 22,10:54 PM ET LONDON (Reuters) - Nigeria's Federal Airports Authority has confirmed a missing Nigerian airliner carrying 114 people has gone down after take-off from the commercial capital Lagos, CNN television reported on Sunday. The station's reporter in Lagos said by telephone: "The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria is confirming that the flight has indeed gone down ... maybe just after take-off from Lagos."
Reuters could not immediately confirm the report.
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My God Its confirmed. May the Souls of the unfortunate people rest in peace. It is a terrible feeling, because none of us here can be sure at this time that a frien or loved one was not on that plane...
Nigeria passenger plane crashes: BBC A plane on its way to the Nigerian capital Abuja has crashed in Oyo state north of Lagos with at least 114 people on board, police have said.
"Our men have spotted the wreckage of the crash," Lagos police spokesman Bode Ojajuni told the Associated Press.
The pilot sent a distress signal just after taking off from Lagos in stormy weather, state television reported.
It is not known if there were any survivors. Several senior officials are said to have been on the flight.
Bellview Airlines flight 210 left Lagos at 2045 (1945 GMT) on Saturday.
Bellview Airlines is a private Nigerian company which flies routes throughout west Africa, mainly using Boeing 737s.
The airline is popular with foreigners and wealthy Nigerians.
Poor record
Planes flying from Nigeria's biggest city, Lagos, to the capital, Abuja, normally take off over the sea and then circle back inland for the 50-minute flight to Abuja. "I don't think anyone could have survived if it went down over land," Nigerian Maritime Authority official, Tidjani Bako, told the AFP news agency.
Nigeria has one of the world's worst air safety records, having been the scene of several crashes and near-misses.
An Air France plane was badly damaged after striking a herd of cows while trying to land in the oil city of Port Harcourt last month. No passengers were hurt.
In May 2002, a plane crashed near the city of Kano, killing nearly 150 people.
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1. Abubakar Hauwam S. 2. Ardo Hamza Baba 3. Adomakoh A. Mr. 4. Aknni T.O. Mr. 5. Adegoke A.S Mr. 6. Adedoyin O. Mr. 7. Ani F. Mr. 8. Akinola A.R. Mr. 9. Adele L. Mr. 10. Ango A. Mr. 11. Aigbokhai A.O. Mrs. 12. Afolabi Roberts Mr. 13. Adamu A. Ms. 14. Argngu Abubakr M. Mr. (Postmaster General) 15. Agharrtite T. Mr. 16. Adebayo A.S Mr. 17. Adelekan P. Mr. 18. Akinbola B. Mrs. 19. Ayeni K. Mr. 20. Awawa I. Mr. 21. Babalola B. Mrs. 22. Boro Danlandi Mr. 23. Briamah B. Mrs. 24. Brother Grebe Jean Paul (CHLD) 25. Bakare A.M. Mr. 26. Borbor A.M. Mr. 27. Bebeji R. Mr 28. Conteh S. Mr 29. Chijoke Bravo Dr. 30. Dagaci S. 31.Daba M. Mr. 32. Diapara C.O. General 33. Edewur J. Mr. 34. Etim R. 35. Enenmoh George Engr. (MD, ASCON) 36. Ezenkwu I. Mr. 37. Esiriyiwa Ms. 38. Ejike N. Mr. 39. Emorrhokpor P.U. Mrs. 40. Egwake J. 41. Egbe C. Mr. 42. Eneware S. Mr 43. Goana B. Mr. 44. Grieves Martins Mr. 45. Hayford B.J. Mrs 46. Haydon Joseph 47. Imasuen M. Ms. 48. Igbiye Udu Mr. 49. Inedu I.O. Mr. 50. Ibrahim U. Mr. 51. Igweh J. Chief 52. Idienumah G.S. Mr. 53. Jubril Y.A. Mr. 54. Jimoh L. Mr. 55. Kinsley Akor F. Mrs. 56. Kinsley Akor Mr. 57. Lasisi Olawale Mr. 58. Mohammed M. Mr 59. Michael A. Mrs. 60. Mesoko S. Mr. 61. Mlaguda M. Mr. 62. Mansah S.N.A. Mr. 63. Muhammed Oumar A.B. Mr. 64. Njie Eho Mr. 65. Moru J. Mr. 66. Nize I.O. Chief 67. Okaisabor O. Mr. 68. Oninide D. Mr. 69. Oninide N. Mrs. 70. Olaniyan R. Mrs. 71. Okogwu V. Mrs. 72. Olugbo Nkeiru Mrs. 73. Olumekun J.J. Mr. 74. Okoli Chukwuemeka Mr. 75. Okolo Uche Mr. 76. Oladeji M. Ms. 77. Ofuokwu C. Mr. 78. Obi Mrs. 79. Omang O. Mr. 80. Obiogbolu C.M. Mrs. 81. Olowolayemo G. Mr. 82. Omotade O.A. Mr. 83. Ogbuwaluzor O.G. Mr. 84. Odartey Lamtey E. Mr. 85. Obengamanquah M. Mr. 86. Peter Mann Andreas Mr. 87. Quaye E. Mr. 88. Queen Mr. 89. Raji A.R. Engr. 90. Salihu B. Dr. 91. Shaahu D.P.I Mr. 92. Steven Bayo Mr. 93. Sarah Eshun 94. Sokenu M. Mrs. - (Peoples Bank) 95. Sabulu L.A Mr. 96. Techie Micheal S.R Mr. 97. Thomas S. Mrs. 98. Umaru Hassan Alh. 99. Udeka John Mr. - MD ACB 100. Unokesan Grec Mr. 101. Uriri S. Mr. 102. Umasabor O.A. Mr. 103. Umar A.M. Mr. 104. Uwagboe F. Mr. 105. Uko P.C. Mr. 106. Uyanwune I. Mr. 107. Usman Y. Ms. 108. Wandi A. Mr. 109. Wemuna W. Mrs. 110. Yau S.C. Mr. 111. Yapi Attou Veronique Mrs.
Captain Imasuen Lambert - Okada, Albarka, very experienced F/O Eshun Ernest
Cabin Crew Etim Victoria Ukuwelah Lulu Queen Ozekhome
Engineer Sanni Steve
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In an unprecedented display of power since the present civilian regime came to power in 1999, the Federal Government, Sunday, ordered the closure of African Independent Television (AIT) and Raypower FM radio on the stable of Daar Communications Limited.
The directive, issued by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), was in response to Sunday’s reportage of the Bellview Airlines plane crash by the AIT/Raypower, which the government viewed as “unprofessional”.
AIT and Raypower had blazed the trail, Sunday, by announcing the actual site of the plane crash, contrary to earlier claims by aviation experts that the Boeing 737-200 aircraft belonging to Bellview Airlines Limited might have touched down at Kishi, between Oyo and Kwara states.
The broadcasting stations also relayed a live coverage from the site, updating the information available to confused Nigerians and relations of the 117 passengers who lost their lives in the crash.
But the NBC was said to have frowned at the role of AIT and Raypower in announcing the actual site of the crash as well as showing charred remains of the dead on their networks.
A surprised Chairman of Daar Communications, Chief Raymond Dokpesi told Daily Independent last night that government was yet to fully explain the basis for the action.
He said: “The DG of the NBC only called to say that there was a directive for AIT and Raypower to shut down. I was expecting a formal letter to that effect detailing how our conduct in reporting the tragedy amounts to unprofessional conduct. But I was surprised when I heard the announcement on NTA”.
Dokpesi argued that his expectation was that AIT and Raypower would be commended for reporting live from the scene and for helping to save the country the embarrassment of an endless search for the site of the crash.
“You know some stations reported that there were no deaths from the crash. Another said that 50 people survived and had been rushed to the hospital. There was total confusion until AIT and Raypower came out with the truth”, he added.
However, Information Minister, Frank Nweke explained that the directive was only a reprimand and not an outright closure, pointing out that he could not be party to the closure of any media organization.
He also said that government was averse to the clamp down of any media house, adding that the administration needs all hands to be on deck for the on-going reforms to take effect.
Although government frowns at professional misconduct, the minister said the action on AIT/Raypower is only to caution them and not an outright closure.
quote:Bellview plane crash: Presidency, Aviation officials under probeweb page
• Julius Berger barred from crash site
By Kingsley Ighomwenghian
(Lagos) and
Sanya Adejokun (Abuja),
Segun Adeleye, (Abeokuta)
Security operatives probing the crash of Bellview Flight 210 arrested 15 officials of the Presidency and the Ministry of Aviation on Wednesday.
More arrests are planned for today.
Investigators are said to be working on the theory that the flight may have been sabotaged.
The aircraft, in which 117 persons died, nose-dived barely three minutes after take-off from Lagos going to Abuja.
Sources said the interrogation of those picked up is expected to begin today.
It was learnt that a top security meeting was held in Abuja from Tuesday evening until Wednesday to consider the initial report of the crash that has thrown the country into mourning – alongside the death of First Lady, Stella Obasanjo.
Those who attended the meeting reportedly suspected sabotage as it unearthed behind-the-scenes moves that would aid investigators.
The interrogation will determine the level of culpability of the suspects. Those who have no case to answer, the source explained, would be released later today and Friday.
It was learnt that government functionaries booked on the flight included Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Charles Soludo; Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman, Nuhu Ribadu and a director in the Ministry of Defence who was saved by stopping to take a call from an unknown source.
Julius Berger confirmed on Wednesday that it is ready to retrieve the crashed aircraft for free but that the government has not given the go ahead.
However, Clement Iloba, Julius Berger spokesman, said in Abuja that because no other organisation has the ability to remove the buried Boeing 737 plane, it has moved equipment to the site in preparation.
Security men guarding the site disallowed men from the company from gaining entry, according to him, “probably because there is yet to be any official communication requesting the service”.
He said the job would be executed free as Julius Berger’s contribution to lifting the gloomy mood into which the country has been plunged since Saturday last week.
Iloba could not confirm when the excavation would start, saying, “it depends on when we receive the go ahead from the government”.
Meanwhile two United States investigators and Boeing experts were on Wednesday sighted at the scene of the crashed Bellview aircraft at Lisa Igbore village in Ifo local government area of Ogun state.
They were sighted picking items that may help in their investigation exercise. They declined comments when Daily Independent approached them for one.
Scores of relatives of the deceased still lay siege to the place just as the anticipated excavation did not start as at 4:00pm on Wednesday.
But a staff of Julius Berger who spoke on the condition of anonymity said the excavation may begin after the interdenominational service scheduled for 8:00am today.
The road leading to the scene was being graded by the combined efforts of the Ogun state government road management agency (OGROMA) and Julius Berger to pave way for the movement of the latter’s equipmen.
Meanwhile, Ogun state Governor, Gbenga Daniel has named the Employment generation house along Kobape-Sagamu road in Abeokuta, the state capital, after his Special Adviser on Employment generation, Chief (Mrs.) Maria Sokenu who also lost her life in the ill-fated plane.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Ogun state branch has equally gone on air calling on people of the state to join in the commendation service scheduled for the crash site.
Earlier, wife of the Governor and Coordinator of Gateway Front Foundation (GFF), Olufunke Daniel led the Baptist Convention in Abeokuta to offer prayers for the deceased, including Mrs. Stella Obasanjo at the Ita-Eko home of the Obasanjos. Secretary of the Baptist convention, Rev. Akin Osinnubi led the prayer session.
Unknown to many, there were ominous signs that the ill-fated Bellview flight 210 would end the way it did. Saturday Champion can authoritatively reveal that the plane’s crash may have been aided by some unforeseen forces.
Captain Lambert Imaseun’s family sources said for some time now before the crash, many strange things had been happening around the pilot which gave the family cause for concern.
Sister to the late pilot, Mrs Omonigho Clement, told Saturday Champion that not too long before the crash, Imaseun came back home to Benin one day and told the family to help him thank God for the strange thing that happened to him during one of the flights from Abuja to Lagos.
According to her, the late pilot said that he discovered two evil birds in the two engines of the ill-fated crash, saying that such was not only strange, but bizarre and unusual. Although she claimed though Imaseun decided not to make much fuss about this since he landed safely, the family from then, became apprehensive of the safety of their son, even as she regretted that they should have taken that sign very serious.
Said she: "Not long before the crash, my brother visited Benin one day where he told the family how he discovered two strange birds in the engines of his aircraft He said the thing was very strange and said we should help him to thank God for guiding him to land safely. We didn’t know this was a sign of what was going to happen later." Omonigho stated that there was no way the event of the two birds could be isolated from the eventual crash of the plane where 117 persons perished.
She said that the family suspects foul play. It will be recalled, that Imaseun had two wives, Florence and Victoria, though the family is claiming that Victoria, was not properly married.
The family had also concluded arrangements to take all members to Benin where they are expected to take an oath to clear themselves of allegations of having a hand in the death of their breadwinner.
Meanwhile, a team of air accident investigators from the United States arrived the country on Thursday to help find out why the plane crashed, killing all 117 on board, the US embassy said. The US-built Boeing 737 jet plunged into the ground shortly after take-off last Saturday, ploughing into a cocoa grove and disintegrating. "In response to the request from the Nigerian government, a team of four air safety experts have arrived Lagos Thursday to assist in the investigation of the crash," an embassy statement said.
"Led by Dennis Jones of the US National Transportation Safety Board, the team also includes two members from the Boeing Aircraft Corporation, makers of the Bellview Boeing 737, and a representative of Pratt and Whitney, the makers of the aircraft engines," it added. "The team will assist in the investigation of the crash along with the Nigerian accident investigation team," the statement said.
Investigations conducted so far by aviation and police authorities have not yielded any results as to why the jet, certified to be okay, should have lost contact with control tower three minutes after take-off. Aviation officials said the 24-year-old airframe had passed a full inspection in February and had been checked again 10 hours before beginning the ill-fated flight.
Since the crash, conflicting witnesses reported that the plane appeared to explode in mid-air prior to crashing, amid a powerful electrical storm. One US citizen, 40-year-old Major Joseph Haydon, an army officer attached to the US embassy in Nigeria, was among those who died in the crash.
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Typical Nigeria nonsense, Instead of looking and investigating all this garri engine plying Nigeria air as Planes. Now they are talking about evil spirit. I have never seen anybody who died in Nigeria was wasn't not killed by another person.
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