Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Akoko-Edo Development Association known as Akoko-Edo Forum has condemned the recent spate of attacks on security operatives deployed to Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, Edo State.
It would be recalled that an attack on the police operatives was first recorded in Ojirami, followed by irate Ojah community youths.
The restless Ojah youths reportedly attacked a combined team of policemen and soldiers dispatched to their communities to maintain peace, following internal disagreements in the community. In one such attack, a police officer was allegedly killed.
As authorities were still investigating the ugly situation, Ikpeshi youths allegedly burnt a police patrol vehicle and savagely lynched two police officers whose vehicle was involved in an accident that claimed the life of a child and an Okada rider.
However, a statement by the Secretary of the Association, Barr Mary Opii, said the developments are strange in the entire Akoko-Edo area.
“We strongly condemn these attacks and any form of attack on the police or any of our security personnel because these are strange developments in Akoko-Edo.”
Commiserating with the families of the deceased, Opii urged the government to take decisive and stern action against the perpetrators of the lawless acts.
“The culprits, whoever they are, should be fished out and brought to justice because Akoko-Edo has no place for lawlessness.
“We appreciate the police and other security personnel in Akoko-Edo, who do their best to protect lives and properties in a challenging environment. We, as citizens, owe them respect, courtesy, and cooperation in discharging their onerous duty.
“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,” Opii concluded.
