The Akoko Edo Development Association more popularly known as Akoko- Edo Forum, has made a donation of Two hundred and fifty thousand Naira (N250,000) to the Akoko Edo Area Command of the Nigeria Police.
The donation, presented on behalf of the group on Wednesday by a 7-man delegation led by Mr. Ifedayo Udiani, was received by the Area Commander, ACP Femi David.
Two Hundred Thousand naira of the amount is designated as contribution towards the treatment of DPO Yusuf Suleiman, the Igarra Divisional Police Officer who was recently ambushed and shot along Igarra – Auchi Road while the balance is for the welfare of officers of the Command. Other members of the team that represented the Forum are Messrs Steve Dania, Ray Festus Symperr, Joshua Olorunfemi, Ibukun Dogo, P.K. Moses and Alaba Lawani.
Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, the oldest local government area in the entire nation has suffered its own share of security challenges with rampant cases of kidnappings, bank robberies etc thereby instilling a state of fear and anxiety in both residents and travelers who connect other parts of the country through the roads within the area. The injured police officer is said to have been a thorn in the flesh of criminals of all kinds in the area including Yahoo scammers. Some weeks ago, precisely on Tuesday August 31,2021 he ran into an ambush where he was shot close to the eye as well as on the arm and stomach. The assailants left him for dead but he was later rushed to the hospital where he was stabilized and has since been receiving treatment.
In his remarks during the presentation Mr. Ifedayo, stated that the Forum is poised to address the neglect of the LGA in all sectors stressing that one area of concern which the Forum is very passionate about is the security of lives and property hence she has put her money where her mouth is with the gesture and is continuing in that direction.
“We are currently in discussions with Edo State Vigilante Network and other groups like Amalgamated Afenmai Security group to ensure Akoko Edo security challenges are addressed”, he added.
The group praised the gallant efforts of Mr. Yusuf Suleiman and his personal involvement in leading operations to chase out kidnappers from the LGA.
The head of Akoko Edo Vigilante groups, Mr. Ibukun Dogo, gave a glowing report of the support and synergy the DPO has provided to the vigilante group to the extent that there’s working intelligence cooperation between both parties. He thanked all Akoko Edo people for their prayers and concerns exhibited at this unfortunate incident.
Mr. Dogo also used the opportunity to call on the Edo State Government to support Akoko Edo Security Network with equipment, tools, gadgets, and stipends to complement other support from stakeholders such as AEF.
Mr. Steve Dania also thanked DCP David for his hands-on leadership style and open-door policy. He reiterated what others said about Mr. Suleiman, “the DPO was always going on combined operations with his officers and the vigilante groups in flushing the kidnappers out of the flashpoints based on intelligence.”
While responding, the obviously elated Area Commander thanked the Forum, hailing the Akoko-Edo people as a unique and supportive people while also challenging other Akoko-Edo groups to take a cue from the Forum.
“The State Commissioner of Police will be informed of this donation and the synergy being developed with Akoko Edo Forum”, ACP David said
“We call on Akoko Edo people everywhere to show interest in the affairs of the LG as AEF has demonstrated.”
He promised that his officers will continue to improve on the services they are currently providing in the Command.