…As Ondo CP sues for peace
By Adeboye Ado
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has commiserated with the people of Akungba Akoko in Akoko South West Local Government Area over Wednesday night’s truck accident that claimed eight lives.
The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, described the incident as heartbreaking and assured the affected families and residents that the government shares in their grief.
“It is an ugly situation,” Adelami said during his visit to the scene on Thursday.
“His Excellency, my Principal, has asked me to visit the scene of this accident and commiserate with the people. We were also at the Palace of Kabiesi to sympathise with him before coming here.
“We have heard from the students, who are also the voice of the community and they have given us insights into how this ugly incident can be prevented from happening again.” he said.
He explained that the road, known for its difficult terrain, was being reconstructed by the state government to enhance safety and ease movement, adding that the contract for its dualisation had already been awarded.
“Recalled that this area is prone to accidents, probably because of the topography.
“At a point, the government erected a barricade here, but the community later appealed for its removal because it affected economic activities. Being a listening government, we decided to find a lasting solution through this ongoing road construction.” he said.
Adelami attributed the latest crash to negligence on the part of those meant to control traffic and the unlawful removal of barricades by some residents.
“We are deeply sorry for what happened. We share your pain and appeal to you to educate members of the community to respect all safety precautions put in place.”
Earlier, the State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, has assured residents of Akungba Akoko that the Police Command is working with other security agencies to restore normalcy and prevent a recurrence of the fatal truck accident.
Lawal, who spoke during an on-the-spot assessment of the scene yesterday, said the students and residents had conducted themselves peacefully despite their grief.
He described their demonstration as a “constructive and objective protest,” not an act of violence.
“I want to correct that impression, not that they are really angry per se, but they have embarked on peaceful protests. We have been discussing constructively and objectively with each other,” he said.
The Commissioner explained that the Police had been engaging with the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), even before the tragedy occurred, as part of efforts to ensure safety and orderliness in the area.
“Before this incident happened, I had been informed and discussed with the students’ executive members, the SUG president and his co-executives. We agreed that they would embark on a monitoring solution by themselves, which they started with my full support,” he said.
Lawal disclosed that the truck involved in the crash lost its brakes, leading to the accident that threw the community into mourning.
He noted that the police, in collaboration with other agencies, were on the ground to manage the situation and ensure safety.
“Two days ago, I was in Akungba; yesterday, I was at Owo. We have been monitoring the situation here. I am presently on ground, and I have addressed the students and youths. I have assured them that I will remain here till the barricade is refixed,” he said.
The Police Commissioner further revealed that plans were underway to completely block a small passageway that vehicles had been using illegally, forcing them to take alternative routes pending the completion of the ongoing road expansion project.
He urged residents and students to remain calm and cooperate with the security agencies to maintain peace in the community.