Eight Confirmed Dead As Dangote Truck Loses Control in Ondo State

A tragic accident on Wednesday night claimed the lives of eight people, including five men, two women, and a young boy, in Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State. The crash occurred near Adekunle Ajasin University in the Akoko South West area of the state.

The Ondo State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the incident, stating that it happened around 7:30 p.m. and involved a truck loaded with stone dust and a motorcycle. The truck reportedly lost control and rammed into a barricade situated in front of the university.

He urged motorists to always exercise caution, especially during the “ember months,” and to ensure their vehicles are in good condition before any trip. The bodies of the victims have been taken to a nearby hospital morgue.

According to Mosadoluwa Ajidagba, the Public Relations Officer of the Adekunle Ajasin University Students’ Union Government, the truck belonged to Dangote Cement.

Ajidagba explained that the vehicle was coming from Ikare towards Akungba when its brakes failed, causing it to crash into the barricade at the university gate. He said about ten people died in the crash and noted that the Students’ Union had long appealed for a ban on heavy-duty trucks passing through the area.

He urged students to remain calm, avoid the accident scene, and stay away from the main highway for safety reasons.

In his reaction, the Executive Chairman of Akoko South West Local Government, Ayo Ajana, described the incident as heartbreaking and extended condolences to the victims’ families and the entire community.

Ajana promised to work with relevant agencies and authorities to implement lasting safety measures at the accident-prone location and other high-risk areas across the council.