NINE BODIES OF THE OTEDOLA BRIDGE FIRE DISASTER MATCHED WITH FAMILIES
The Commissioner added further, “Based on the DNA analysis performed at LSD&FC, all victim samples were successfully matched to relatives’ samples. Nine bodies have been successfully matched to nine families, out of the 11 families that showed up at LSD&FC.
“They are now ready to be handed over to the rightful families for necessary burial arrangements. Collection of the remains would commence from 10.00 a.m. July 28 at the Seminar Room of the Pathology & Forensic Medicine Department of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja.”
He explained that this was the first time unidentified victims of a mass disaster had been successfully identified locally using DNA technology,adding that the identification process was completed in less than four weeks after the incident as against over six months when the practice was to take samples abroad for analysis.
“I also wish to note that rigorous effort is made in ensuring that errors are reduced to the barest minimum in order not to compound the agony already being experienced by the bereaved families. As a government, we share the concerns and anxiety of the affected families and associates on the identification and the need for prompt release of the remains of their loved ones.
“However we believe that the thorough investigation which was conducted is in the best interest of all concerned. We wish to reiterate that the entire cost of management and treatment of the surviving victims and DNA forensics for the dead and their families was borne by the State Government, “ Idris said.
