By Our correspondent
Students of Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba in Ondo State have protested against unabated and incessant fatal road accidents near their campus.
Students were seen with placards with different inscriptions at exactly 8:00 AM demanding a stop to heavy trucks plying Akungba, the host community of the Ondo owned University (AAUA).
Recalled that since the students have resumed back to the campus for the continuation of the first-semester examination, occurrence accidents had been the order of the day.
It was reported that three consecutive accidents were said to have occurred and claimed the lives of students and indigenes in the community.
A student who pleaded anonymity while speaking with our correspondent said, "I was on my bed when I heard a heavy sound and a few minutes later, I heard it was an accident which claimed the life of a student.”
He further stated that the number of students who lost their lives to yesterday’s accident can not be ascertained as no official confirmed the numbers.
Addressing the students, the students union president, Comrade Ogunsanmi Kolade (Multiple) said vehicles will not be allowed to move throughout today.
“Our agitation is that we do not want trailers to ply this road again. We are here to study and not to meet an untimely death.
He further added that until the federal and state government under the leadership of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, get to the scene of the protest, students will not vacate the highway.
Ogunsanmi said: “We are waiting for the government officials and I have received calls that the commissioner of police and other executives will join us soon
Another barricade will be erected at the school main gate to support the early erected barricade to prevent the incessant accident.
He however sent his condolence to the family of Akinniyi Michael, a graduate of business administration who lost his life to yesterday’s accident.
Other students who spoke called for the dualization of the road.
“They keep posting to us that they will dualize the road and up till this moment nothing to show for it.”
In quick response, the University Management has postponed the ongoing examinations, to stave off further escalation of the heated situation.
A terse statement reads:
“The Management of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, has expressed serious concern over the incessant rate of accidents claiming the lives of students of the University.
“In view of the accident that claimed the life of a former student late evening of yesterday, Thursday, 3rd February, 2022, Management has decided to postpone today's examinations. This is to honour the departed soul. A new date for the examinations will be announced later.
“The Management is currently engaging all relevant stakeholders on what should be done to address the ugly trend, and put and end to vehicular accidents in the University town.”
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