PRESS STATEMENT.
AAUA: OUR HEARTS ARE HEAVY WITH GRIEF.
Unfathomable gloom and disaster have come over the University town of Akungba-Akoko again.
Nine persons have been confirmed dead and nine others fatally wounded from a multiple crash on Saturday, 23rd January, 2021.
On 30th October, 2020 sixteen persons died in a similar multiple accident around the University gate at Akungba-Akoko.
The Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) Ondo State Chapter wishes to express our deepest condolences to the families of the departed ones.
It is very unfortunate that, each of these crashes were attributed to brake failures.
Federal Road Safety Corps members and few Government officials will visit the scene of accident, pay condolence visit to families of the victims and shed a few crocodile tears without proferring solution to prevent future reoccurrence.
Amongst those sent to their early graves were final year students who had been home for nearly one year due to Covid-19 induced lockdown and University Lecturers’ strike.
A woman who lost her three children to the crash, collapsed and died, when told about the death of her children. The students resumed for academic activities only last week and this is their reward for returning to school early. A bright future reduced to ashes. Expectations of parents varnished into the air.
Our hearts are heavy with grief. This carnage in Akungba-Akoko can be stopped.
- Heavy duty trucks should not be allowed to pass the University Gate again. Iron barricades can be used to enforce compliance.
2. Speed breakers before and after the University Gate should be introduced on the road.
- The Market around the University Gate should be immediately relocated.
It is impossible to do the same thing over and over, and expect a different outcome.
The University authorities should take immediate steps to address loopholes that result into these serial calamities of monumental proportions.
We pray that God Almighty will grant the victims families the fortitude to bear these irreparable losses.
Kennedy Ikantu Peretei.
State Publicity Secretary, PDP, Ondo State.
24th January, 2021.
Study @ Achievers University
