By David Onimisi Lawani
A group, Akoko Edo Forum, (AEF) has presented a donation of two hundred and fifty thousand nairas (N250,000) to the Commander of Akoko Edo Area Command, ACP Femi David towards the treatment of DPO Yusuf Suleiman, the Igarra Divisional Police Officer, who was recently ambushed and shot along Igarra – Auchi federal road.
A statement signed by Ifedayo Udiani who led the other seven members of the body for the donation disclose that the support is directed towards the welfare of officers of the Command.
He said AEF was formed to address the ” neglect of Akoko Edo in all sectors”. He further reiterated that security is one of the cardinal areas the Association has taken immediate action on with its alliance with the other security and vigilante groups in the LGA.
According to him: “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.”
The group thanked the gallant efforts of Mr. Yusuf Suleiman and his personal involvement in leading operations to chase out kidnappers from the LGA.
Also, the head of Akoko Edo Vigilante groups, Mr. Ibukun Dogo, in his contribution 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 appreciated all Akoko Edo people for their prayers and concerns exhibited at this unfortunate incident emphasizing the need for Edo State Government to support Akoko Edo Security Networks with equipment, tools, gadgets, and stipends to complement other supports from stakeholders such as AEF.
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A community leader and member of the AEF Security Committee, Mr. Steve Dania, thanked DCP David for his leadership quality to the Command and his 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.”
Responding, ACP Femi David thanked Akoko Edo Forum for this uncommon gesture from a key Akoko Edo LGA stakeholder noting, ” The State Commissioner of Police will be informed of this donation and the synergy being developed with Akoko Edo Forum.”
He stated that Akoko Edo people are a unique group of people who, despite all odds, have always supported the Area Command since its formation three years ago.
He promised that his officers will continue to improve on the services they are currently providing in the Command.
We call on Akoko Edo people everywhere to show interest in the affairs of the LG as AEF has demonstrated.”
