INSECURITY: ADG records low members turnout at general meeting.

A large number of members of an Akoko indigenous association under the aegis of Akoko Development Group has absented themselves from its quarterly meeting for fear of kidnappers and armed robber.

Akoko Development Group, with members cut across all Akoko towns is for the progress, peace and development of Akoko land.

The group which usually holds its meeting quarterly in different locations across the country and fixes the last quarter’s meeting on every 25th December to be held in Akoko, recorded a low turn out on Tuesday as members lamented fear of being kidnapped or robbed along Owo-Akoko roads in their various letters of absence.

Most absented members who sent apologies, noted that insecurity issue that has pervaded and permeated throughout Owo and Akoko area of Ondo State is their reason for not attending the meeting which was held at Supare Akoko in Akoko South West local government area.

Among those in attendance were the outgoing president of the group Dr Shaba; former CBN Governor, Chief Joseph Sanusi; Former Vice Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof. Michael Faborede; former Commissioner for Bugget and planning during Mimiko’s regime, Akin Adaramola; Chief Ayegbusi and hosts of others

However, those present at the meeting deliberated extensively on the issue of insecurity in Akoko Owo axis.

They lamented on the rate of kidnapping, Fulani herdsmen/ farmers clash and robbery along Owo-Akoko roads, saying people are now leaving in a state of perpetual fear in Akoko.

The group stressed that something tangible and reasonable must be done to stem the tide.

They demanded adequate and fortified security measures in all part of Akoko in order to end the incessant security challenges facing the area. Adding that the heads of security agencies in the state should be more proactive in discharging their duties without aiding and albeiting.

ADG also charged the state governments under the leadership and of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to put everything in place to support the security operatives to forestall any further criminal activities in the state.

Meanwhile, as part of the steps taken to stem the tide of insecurity in Akoko land, the group donated huge amount of money to police in Akoko South West and East area to complement their efforts. They said their efforts to make Akoko area more secured started about five years ago, part of which they said resulted in the establishment of two police commands in the area.

The group however appreciated the effort of Ondo State government on Owo-Ikare expressroads and asked for total reconstruction and expansion of the roads.

Stakeholders at the meeting berated and lambasted Akoko representatives both at the National and State Assemblies for taking their constituents for granted, charged the good people of Akoko to vote for credible candidates who will have them at heart in the 2019 general elections.

ADG, after the meeting extended by a year, the tenure of its President, Dr Shaba, whose tenure supposed to have come to an end on Tuesday, having spent two terms of four years consecutively.