Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has condoled the people of Akungba-Akoko over the motor crash in the town which claimed several lives.
The Governor’s Chief of Staff, Olugbenga Ale who conveyed the governor’s condolence message during a visit to the town yesterday enjoined the angry youth protesting incessant accidents in the town to sheathe their anger, promising that a solution was in the offing.
Ale who led a delegation to the town said government was exploring alternative ways of ending the incessant accidents caused by trailers.
He explained that the State Governor was outside the state and has directed him to visit the scene, condole with victims, care for the injured and give assurances that the State Government would not leave its citizens to bear the brunt of any unfortunate circumstance.
The State Commissioner of Police, Mr Bolaji Salami, who was also on ground confirmed that nine people have been confirmed dead as at the last count.
Also, the Alale of Akungba-Akoko, Oba Isaac Adeyeye, who described the incident as shocking and devastating also said the number of trailers plying the University community are too many, just as he suggested regulation of such to prevent such ugly incident in the axis.
The Federal Road and several adjoining roads leading to and out of the University town have remained blocked by the protesting youths in the community.
Meanwhile, the Ag Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Olugbenga Ige has visited the accident scene describing trailer accident as a tragedy on the people of Akugba, the university and students at large.
He expressed displeasure with the tragedy, which affected some students and pleaded with them not to take laws into their own hands.
His words: “Sadly, it is a tragedy to the Community and all Nigerian Students. It is painful some of our students were involved and sadly they lost their lives for coming to School to learn and to get themselves educated.
“The last one that happened, we had to constitute a Committee whose recommendations we have implemented.”
“The committee recommended that roadside trading should be banned and the community market be relocated and it was complied with”
While proffering a lasting solution to the incessant trailer accident, Prof. Ige said the hilly route of the community, near the Institution should be stepped down.
He also opined that heavy-duty trucks be barred from plying the route.
He, however, urged the angry youths to eschew violence, saying assiduous efforts are being made to restore normalcy.
Among other dignitaries at the scene were: the Ondo State Commissioner for Agriculture; Otunba Gboyega Adefarati; the Acting Registrar; Opeoluwa Akinfemiwa; Chairman, Akoko South West, Hon. Augustine Oloruntogbe; the Senior Special Assistant to Governor on Youth and Students Affairs, Mr. Muyiwa Ogunyemi.