At least eight people, including a pregnant woman and a child, have been confirmed dead following a fatal accident involving a Dangote truck in Akungba Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The accident, which occurred on Wednesday evening near the Holy Trinity Church along the Owo–Akungba–Ikare Expressway, reportedly threw the entire community into panic. Witnesses said the truck, laden with cement, lost control and crashed into several roadside shops.
Residents and students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), rushed to the scene as tension and chaos spread through the town.
Confirming the incident, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ondo State, Mr. Samuel Ibitoye, said the truck lost control after hitting a barricade in front of the university.
“The truck ran into a barricade and lost control, resulting in the crash. No fewer than eight people were killed — five males, two females, and one male child,” Ibitoye stated.
He urged motorists to always ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and to obey traffic regulations to prevent avoidable tragedies.
Reacting to the development, the Public Relations Officer of the AAUA Students’ Union Government, Akinibobola Ajidagba, described the incident as “heartbreaking,” confirming that the truck belonged to the Dangote Group.
“We regret to inform the entire student populace that a Dangote truck suffered brake failure from Ikare en route Akungba and destroyed the barricade at the university’s main gate,” he said.
Ajidagba lamented that the union had repeatedly warned against allowing heavy-duty trucks to ply the narrow Akungba road, citing similar previous accidents that claimed lives.
“As it stands, close to 10 people have died in this tragedy. We have consistently called for a ban on heavy trucks on this route to safeguard our students and community,” he added.
The union called for calm among students while urging authorities to take immediate measures to prevent further loss of lives.
