The recently formed Akoko Edo Development Association (aka Akoko Edo Forum) on Wednesday, September 29, 2021, presented a donation of two hundred and fifty thousand naira (=N=250,000) 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. This support is directed towards the welfare of officers of the Command. Mr. Ifedayo Udiani, who led a team of seven members from the Association, made the presentation on behalf of the AFF.

Mr. Ifedayo, in his brief presentation, remarked that 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, with its alliance with the other security and vigilante groups in the LGA. He said, "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. 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. However, Mr. Dogo emphasized 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.

In his talk, 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."

In his response, ACP Femi David thanked Akoko Edo Forum for this uncommon gesture from a key Akoko Edo LGA stakeholder. According to the ACP, " 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. Finally, ACP David said, “we call on Akoko Edo people everywhere to show interest in the affairs of the LG as AEF has demonstrated."

Members of AEF at the presentation included Ifedayo Udiani – Leader; Joshua Olorunfemi, Steve Dania, P. k. Moses, Alaba Lawani, Symperr Ray Festus and Ibukun Dogo.

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