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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic accident that occurred on Wednesday evening in Akungba-Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area of the state, where a truck conveying cement lost control and claimed several lives.

In a statement signed by its Director of Media and Public Communications, Wándé T. Àjàyí, the party described the incident as heartbreaking and extended its condolences to the bereaved families, the injured, and the entire Akungba community, including the Adekunle Ajasin University family.

“The PDP is deeply saddened by the tragic accident that occurred yesterday evening in Akungba-Akoko, where a truck conveying cement lost control and claimed several lives,” the statement read.

“Our hearts go out to the bereaved families and the entire Akungba community, including the Adekunle Ajasin University family, over this heartbreaking incident. We pray that God, in His infinite mercy, will comfort all who are grieving and grant eternal rest to the departed,” Àjàyí added.

The party also expressed concern over reports that a safety barrier previously installed along the road to prevent such tragedies was allegedly removed, describing the claim as disturbing and worthy of urgent investigation.

“We appeal to the relevant authorities to investigate this claim and ensure that appropriate preventive measures are restored to safeguard lives,” the PDP stated.

The opposition party reaffirmed its solidarity with the people of Akungba and all those affected by the unfortunate occurrence, praying for peace and comfort for the bereaved.

“At this difficult time, the PDP stands in solidarity with all who mourn this unfortunate accident. May peace return to Akungba, and may the memories of the departed bring comfort and strength to their loved ones,” the statement concluded.

A tragic accident occurred on Wednesday, October 21, 2025, at the main gate of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, when an articulated truck belonging to the Dangote Group reportedly suffered a brake failure while descending from the Ikare axis.

According to a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the AAUA Students’ Union, Comrade Ajidagba Mosadoluwa Akinbobola, popularly known as *Mosa Gold*, the truck rammed into the permanent barricade erected at the university’s main entrance, leading to multiple fatalities and injuries.

“As it stands, close to 10 persons have lost their lives due to this tragic incident,” the statement read. The Students’ Union expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the families of the deceased, describing the crash as a “devastating loss to the entire university community.”

The Union recalled that it had repeatedly warned against the continued passage of heavy-duty trucks through the Akungba axis, stressing that the route posed grave danger to students and residents. “We have made several efforts to ensure that trucks stop plying Akungba roads, as it can cause danger to the lives and properties of our students,” the statement added.

Comrade Akinbobola reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to the safety of students, assuring that the leadership would continue to engage relevant authorities and security agencies to prevent a recurrence. He also appealed to students to remain calm and law-abiding as the situation is being managed.

“We implore all students to remain fearless as we are up to the task of maintaining peace and order within the student community. However, everyone is advised to stay away from the highway for the time being,” the Union’s spokesperson cautioned.

The management of the university and law enforcement agencies were said to have swiftly responded to the scene of the accident to restore normalcy and evacuate victims. As at press time, the exact number of casualties was yet to be officially confirmed, but eyewitnesses described the scene as “heartbreaking.”

The Akungba community has witnessed several similar truck-related tragedies in the past, leading to repeated calls from residents and student leaders for a permanent ban on articulated vehicles passing through the town. Wednesday’s incident has once again reignited those calls and underscored the urgent need for lasting safety measures along the ever-busy Akungba-Ikare highway.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has taken a swipe at Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa over what it described as his government’s “reckless neglect and weakening” of the state’s security architecture, following the circulation of a leaked Department of State Services (DSS) memo warning of possible terrorist attacks in some parts of the state.

In a strongly worded statement signed by the party’s Director of Media and Public Communications, Wándé T. Àjàyí, the PDP accused the Aiyedatiwa administration of trivialising a grave national security issue with what it called a “bland and dismissive press release,” instead of responding with concrete and transparent measures to safeguard lives and property.

According to the opposition party, Governor Aiyedatiwa has “treated the vital issue of security with reckless indifference and shallow optics,” alleging that his administration has “systematically starved the state’s security structure of funding and morale.” The statement noted that the once vibrant and highly effective Amotekun Corps, which had become the pride of Ondo State’s community policing model, has now been reduced to “a struggling outfit surviving on empty promises and token allowances.”

“The officers who once stood tall as the first line of defense in our communities now battle poor welfare, inadequate logistics, and dwindling motivation because this government has chosen photo opportunities over purposeful leadership,” Àjàyí said. “Rather than build upon the robust security network he inherited, Governor Aiyedatiwa has chosen to dismantle it through neglect, lack of funding, and misplaced priorities.”

The PDP also expressed concern that while credible intelligence reports point to possible infiltration by armed groups around the state’s border communities, the governor’s approach to security has been limited to media appearances and vague assurances. “This kind of casual response in the face of looming threats exposes the depth of complacency within the Aiyedatiwa government,” the statement added.

The opposition party called on the governor to immediately address the growing welfare concerns of Amotekun officers and to take decisive steps toward integrating them into the state civil service as a way of ensuring stability, improved funding, and motivation. It added that the administration must immediately release withheld operational funds, provide adequate logistics, and renew the insurance and hazard allowances of officers across the state.

“The welfare and morale of our Amotekun officers directly impact the safety of our people,” Àjàyí stressed. “Their concerns must be treated with urgency, not dismissed as routine complaints. Governor Aiyedatiwa must understand that public safety is not a public relations exercise. The people of Ondo deserve to know that their government values their lives more than it values media appearances.”

The PDP therefore urged the governor to convene an urgent state security summit involving all stakeholders, including traditional rulers, security chiefs, civil society organisations, and opposition representatives, to develop a realistic and sustainable strategy for combating insecurity. It also called for a review of the operational framework of security agencies in the state to ensure better coordination and accountability.

“Ondo State was once a model of peace and vigilance in the Southwest,” Àjàyí said. “It is disheartening that this legacy is being eroded under a government that appears more interested in photo sessions than performance. Governor Aiyedatiwa must rise above propaganda and provide real leadership that puts the safety of our people first.”

The PDP reaffirmed its commitment to standing with the people of Ondo State in demanding accountability and transparency from the government on issues of security and welfare. It also urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding while cooperating with legitimate security agencies to report any suspicious activities in their communities.

“The Peoples Democratic Party will continue to speak truth to power,” the statement concluded. “Security is the first duty of government, and any administration that fails to protect its people has failed completely in its most sacred responsibility.”

The National Association of Nigerian Students, Joint Campus Council (NANS JCC), Ondo State Axis, has expressed deep concern over the lingering industrial action in the state’s tertiary institutions, particularly at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), which embarked on strike even before the nationwide action declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

In a statement issued on Sunday, October 19, 2025, and signed by Comrade Samuel Agbelusi (BigSam), Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, the student body described the situation as “painful, frustrating, and detrimental to the future of thousands of students across the state.”

The Chairman of NANS JCC Ondo State, Comrade Adekanye Mayomi Adeboye, popularly known as INEC, commended the Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for his ongoing efforts to reform and strengthen the state’s education sector. He acknowledged the Governor’s commitment to infrastructural development and administrative improvement within the tertiary education system but warned that the gains could be eroded if the ongoing strikes are not urgently resolved.

“While we appreciate the commendable strides of Governor Aiyedatiwa, we must confront the pressing reality that the continuous strike actions have placed the future of Ondo State students in jeopardy,” the statement read in part.

The student body attributed the strike to unresolved welfare concerns, unpaid entitlements, and administrative lapses that could have been prevented through proactive government engagement. NANS lamented that students, parents, and guardians have borne the brunt of the industrial dispute, with many stranded, paying rent and other expenses despite halted academic activities.

Comrade Adekanye, therefore, called on the Ondo State Government to immediately engage ASUU leadership in all state-owned tertiary institutions in transparent dialogue that prioritizes the swift restoration of academic activities. He urged the government to address outstanding financial obligations to lecturers, or at the very least, announce a clear payment plan to rebuild trust and confidence.

The statement also proposed the creation of a joint task force comprising representatives of the state government, ASUU, university management, and student leaders to monitor implementation of agreements and prevent future breakdowns in communication.

“Beyond resolving the present crisis, there is an urgent need for long-term policy reforms that institutionalize early dispute resolution, staff welfare reviews, and continuous dialogue among stakeholders,” the statement added.

NANS JCC reaffirmed its readiness to serve as a bridge between students, lecturers, and government, emphasizing dialogue over confrontation. It, however, warned that the association “will not hesitate to take lawful actions should the government fail to act swiftly.”

“We commend Governor Aiyedatiwa for his leadership, but we remind him that true leadership is measured by responsiveness to the cries of the people, especially the youth, who represent the future. Education must not be a privilege delayed; it is a right that must be protected,” the statement concluded.