By: Adeboye Ado
AAUA students protest over incessant accidents in Akungba, Management postpones exam
Hundreds of students of Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba in Ondo State have protested against unabated and incessant fatal road accidents near their campus over the years, mostly caused by articulated trucks plying the University community.
The latest protest was fuelled by an accident that claimed the life of a former student of the Institution simply identified as Michael, yesterday in one of the troubled spots in Akungba.
It was gathered that the hit-and-run truck driver who killed the youngman was trailed to neighboring town Oba-Akoko, where he was arrested around 10pm yesterday.
Meanwhile, the sad news filtered into the citadel of learning, which ignited the spirit of Aluta Continua amongst the students population.
Hence, hordes of protesters started converged by 7am today at the main gate of the school, chanting freedom songs and holding placards with save our souls inscriptions.
As at press time, vehicular movements in the town have been restricted by the protesters.
In quick response, the University Management has postponed the ongoing examinations, to stave off further escalation of the heated situation.
A terse statement reads:
“The Management of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, has expressed serious concern over the incessant rate of accidents claiming the lives of students of the University.
“In view of the accident that claimed the life of a former student late evening of yesterday, Thursday, 3rd February, 2022, Management has decided to postpone today’s examinations. This is to honour the departed soul. A new date for the examinations will be announced later.
“The Management is currently engaging all relevant stakeholders on what should be done to address the ugly trend, and put and end to vehicular accidents in the University town.”
Press Statement
Akungba Accident: Akeredolu Sympathizes With Victims’ Families, Orders Strict Compliance Of Mounted Barricade
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, received the news of the accident In Akungba-Akoko which claimed the lives of residents including students, with a heavy heart.
The Governor said the incident was not expected given the steps that had been taken to forestall such occurrence after the incessant accidents that have claimed indigenes and students lives in the past.
In clear terms, Governor Akeredolu had ordered that a barricade be mounted at the troubled portion of the road to prevent heavy duty trucks from plying that route.
The Governor, while commiserating with the people of Akungba Akoko as well as the family of the victims, expressed disappointment over people’s penchant for money over lives.
“It is disheartening that some people have turned the barricade mounted by government to prevent these heavy trucks from plying the road, into a money-making venture. If people truly value lives, and understand that whatever money you made at the expense of people’s lives is blood money. This particular incident was highly avoidable.
“On several occasions, I have visited Akungba Akoko on the heels of incessant accidents. As part of our temporary solution to the situation, a barricade was mounted. It was expected that no heavy duty vehicle would ply that road again. However, we have received reports that some residents of the town open this barricade for heavy duty trucks to pass for a token.” the Governor regretted.
The Governor, therefore, warned all community leaders, youth leaders or representatives, and other residents of the town to immediately desist from the unwholesome act of flaunting the Governor’s directive by opening this barricade for articulated trucks.
Governor Akeredolu said government will henceforth, deploy armed security personnel to man this barricade and deal decisively with anyone found opening this barricade for articulated trucks.
Arakunrin Akeredolu assured that construction of the bad portion of the road will commence in no distance time as the design for the road is ready. The road, being a Federal road, shall not impair Mr Governor’s determination to save lives.
Governor Akeredolu expressed concern over the needless death of the residents, especially students whose dreams and aspirations have been cut short in their prime.
Signed:
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
February 4, 2022.
