Akungba tragedy: Police vow stronger safety measures

By Boye Oyeyemi –

Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, has pledged tighter security coordination in Akungba Akoko to forestall a repeat of Wednesday night’s truck crash that claimed lives in the community.

Lawal, who visited the scene of the accident on Thursday, praised the composure of residents and students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), noting that they had expressed their grievances peacefully despite their pain.

“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 police chief said his command had maintained regular communication with the university’s Students’ Union leadership even before the accident as part of efforts to ensure order and safety in the area. He explained that preliminary findings showed that the truck’s brake failure caused the crash.

“Two days ago, I was in Akungba; yesterday, I was at Owo. We have been monitoring the situation here. I am presently on the 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.

Lawal disclosed that plans were ongoing to shut down a narrow illegal passageway often used by motorists, urging residents to cooperate with authorities and maintain peace while road expansion continues.

He added that the police, alongside engineers and other security operatives, had commenced work to permanently secure the metal barricade at the accident spot, stressing that the command would remain alert to prevent similar incidents in the future.