At least eight people , including a pregnant woman and a child, lost their lives on Wednesday evening after a truck rammed into roadside shops in Akungba-Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The crash occurred along the Owo–Akungba–Ikare expressway, close to the Holy Trinity Church. Witnesses said the truck, which was loaded with cement, lost control after hitting a barricade in front of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA).
Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Samuel Ibitoye, said, “The truck lost control after colliding with a barricade near the university. Sadly, five males, two females, and a male child lost their lives in the crash.”
Amid widespread claims that the ill-fated truck belonged to Dangote Group, the company on Thursday issued a statement denying ownership.
“Dangote Group has refuted reports circulating on social media and in some online platforms linking it to a truck involved in a road accident in Akungba-Akoko,” the statement read.
The company stressed that the vehicle had no connection to its fleet or operations.
“The truck involved in the unfortunate incident does not belong to Dangote Group or any of its subsidiaries,” it clarified.
According to the statement, independent verification of the truck’s registration showed that it was operated by a private logistics firm.
“Verified vehicle registration details confirm that the truck with Plate No. JJJ 365 XB is owned and operated by an independent logistics company with no affiliation to Dangote Group. The truck was not conveying any Dangote products but crushed stones in reused sacks bearing various brand names,” the company explained.
Read Official Statement Below:
Dangote added that its trucks are always branded, tracked, and operated under strict safety standards, making them easily identifiable.
Expressing sympathy for the victims and their families, the company appealed for accuracy in public reporting.
“While the company deeply sympathises with all those affected by the incident, it urges members of the public and the media to verify information before attributing ownership or involvement to Dangote Group,” the statement said.
It also cautioned media outlets against using images of Dangote-branded trucks for accidents unrelated to its operations.
The company reaffirmed its dedication to safety, saying, “Dangote Industries remains steadfast in its commitment to road safety, regulatory compliance, and responsible corporate citizenship across all its operations in Nigeria and beyond.”
Watch Video Of The Accident that reportedly claim 10 lives:
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
