The Akoko-Edo Development Association also known as Akoko-Edo Forum has condemned the recent attacks on police and other security personnel in the area, calling on the government to arrest the perpetrators and ensure that justice is served.
In a statement signed by its secretary Barr. Mary Opii, the forum expressed dismay at the spate of violent attacks that have claimed the lives of at least three police officers and injured several others in the past few weeks.
The statement recounted the first attack in Ojirami, where a police officer lost his life as a result of an assault by youths while attempting to restore peace following internal disputes in the community.
It detailed another clash in Ikpeshi, where two policemen were lynched and their patrol vehicle burnt by angry youths after an accident that killed a child and a motorcycle rider.
The Forum sympathised with the families of the deceased and urged the government to take swift and stern action against the perpetrators.
“While we commiserate with the families of the deceased, we urge the government to take decisive and stern action against the perpetrators of these acts of lawlessness.
“The culprits, whoever they are, should be fished out and brought to justice because Akoko-Edo has no place for lawlessness,” the statement said.
Calling on citizens to cooperate with security operatives, the forum also commended the police in the area for their efforts to protect lives and properties in a challenging environment.
“We call on our traditional rulers, community and religious leaders and other stakeholders to call their subjects to order. We believe these ugly incidents will not repeat itself in Akoko-Edo anymore,” it added.
Meanwhile, in April 2023, the Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) claimed responsibility for killing three security personnel during an attack on a Nigerian army checkpoint in Akoko.
The Akoko-Edo Forum is a socio-cultural organisation that promotes the development and welfare of the people of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area. The area has a population of 261,567 according to the 2006 National Population Census, occupying a land area of about 1,371 square kilometres or 6.5% of Edoland. It constitutes about 5.70% of the population of Edo State.
