Enough of Students' deaths on Akungba road – NUJ tells Govt

The Nigeria Union of Journalists has called on the Federal as well as the Ondo state governments to as a matter of urgency “find a lasting solution to incessant waste of precious lives on the road; ”

The Ondo state council of NUJ also urged government to particularly consider extension of dualisation of Ikare Road to the Akungba road as an enduring solution.

In a communique issued at the end of its congress held on Thursday in Akure, Ondo state, the Union “condoles families of those who lost their lives in the recent AAUA/Akungba Accident, charging Stakeholders especially federal and Ondo state governments, School authorities and Akungba Community to urgently find a lasting solution to incessant waste of precious lives on the road;

The Congress urges government to particularly consider extension of dualisation of Ikare Road to the Akungba road as an enduring solution.

“ That the Congress expresses deep concern over spate of killings and kidnappings on highways in Ondo state especially Akure-Owo -Ifon Road and Akoko area. The Congress therefore expresses the urgent need for operatives of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police and other security agencies to get Ogbese/Owo/Akoko axis of the state raid of kidnappers, who usually shared their ransoms even beside the roads without being arrested.

“ That the Congress notes with dissatisfaction blaming of the media by the Southwest governors/Miyetti Allah’s meeting held in Akure this week over recent eviction order of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to herdsmen who are illegally occupying the State forest reserves.

“ That Ondo NUJ expresses full support for steadfastness and boldness of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to end insecurity in the state especially Registration of herdsmen, banning of night and under-aged grazing among others.

“ That the Union cautions against politicising security matters by the political class and advises journalists to continue to be professional in reporting cases of kidnappings, killings and other security challenges in the country.

“ That while commending efforts of Amotekun Corps in reducing farmers/herdsmen’s clashes, the Ondo state government should make sure that only those who have traditional and modern security backgrounds should be recruited into the state Amotekun Corps to enable the agencies perform its lawful duties.

“ That the Union which expresses concern over total violation of COVID-19 safety protocols by the public, charges the public and government to enforce compliance with the protocols to avoid negative consequences of another lockdown.

“ That the Congress encourages journalists to take good care of their health and that of their family members.

“ That the Congress gives chapels that are yet to conduct their elections to do same before the end of February, 2021 in line with the Union’s constitution. ”