A group of concerned Nigerians have revealed plans to conduct a memorial service on June 17, for the 159 lives claimed in the Dana Air crash of June 3, 2012.

A statement by the group, which is also providing help and relief for the people whose homes were destroyed as a result of the crash, said the memorial service will hold at the Beko Ransome Kuti Park in Lagos.

Dana Air Flight 0992, crashed into a two storey building in the densely populated Iju-Ishaga area of Lagos state, killing all 153 passengers and crew members on board and a number people in the building.

Explaining the rationale behind the group’s plans, the statement stated that “the Dana Air crash tragedy which occurred last week Sunday sent shock waves through the whole country. Tears, sorrow, anger disbelief and mourning gripped us all.”

“Like many Nigerians in a strong desire to ‘do something’ after this tragic accident, a group of individuals got together and began by implementing a plan to provide help and relief for the people whose homes were destroyed as a result of the crash and also find a way to bring the country together to ensure the souls of the departed are not gone in vain and that their memories remain in our hearts.”

The group has already established a relief camp at Ogba, Lagos for those displaced by the crash.

The group is also soliciting more support for the programme and to provide relief for those displaced

“If like many of us; you have sat down at home, asking yourself ‘What can I do? How can I help?’ If you’ve knelt down and prayed for the souls of the departed and for the anguish of the families left behind and are interested in taking part or supporting this effort in any way (no help or assistance is too small), then please either respond back by mail call or send sms to 080 2222 0049,” the statement read.