A wave of grief and anger swept through Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, on Thursday as students of Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA) and residents took to the streets to protest a ghastly road accident that claimed at least 10 lives in the community.
The protesters, made up of students and locals, blocked major roads leading to the university, demanding urgent government intervention to stop the recurring carnage along the Akungba–Ikare–Akoko highway, describing the frequent accidents as “barbaric” and a threat to human life.
The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday night when a truck reportedly lost control and rammed into several roadside shops near the university gate. Eyewitnesses said the truck, loaded with cement, crushed unsuspecting pedestrians, traders, and students. Among the victims was a pregnant woman whose remains were recovered beneath the wreckage.
One witness recounted: “The trailer lost control and smashed through the barricade before crashing into the shops. People were trapped underneath. It was a horrifying sight.”
Another resident said the community had repeatedly appealed to authorities to enforce restrictions on heavy-duty vehicles passing through the densely populated town, especially near the university gate.
Officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the accident.
The Ondo Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Mr. Samuel Ibitoye, said preliminary investigations revealed that the truck suffered brake failure. “The crash involved a truck carrying cement. Eight people died instantly — five males, two females, and a child,” he said, urging drivers to always maintain their vehicles and obey road regulations.
The remains of the deceased have been deposited in a hospital morgue, while emergency teams continued rescue operations late into the night.
The Students’ Union Government (SUG) of AAUA, through its Public Relations Officer, Ajidagba Mosadoluwa Akinbobola, confirmed that at least ten people, including students, were killed. He claimed the truck belonging to the Dangote Group, destroyed the barricade erected at the university’s main gate before the crash.
“The Students’ Union had long warned that these trucks pose a danger to our community. Sadly, our fears have come true again,” Ajidagba lamented.
However, Dangote Group swiftly issued a statement refuting claims that the ill-fated vehicle belonged to it. The company clarified that the truck with plate number JJJ 365 XB was owned by an independent logistics firm and not affiliated with the conglomerate.
According to the statement, “The truck was not conveying any Dangote products but crushed stones in reused sacks bearing various brand names. All genuine Dangote trucks are properly branded, tracked, and operated under strict safety standards.”
While expressing condolences to the victims’ families, the company urged the public and media to verify information before attributing ownership of any vehicle to Dangote Industries.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, CP Adebowale Lawal, who visited the scene, assured the community that security agencies were working together to prevent a recurrence. He commended the students and residents for conducting a peaceful and orderly protest despite their grief.
“They are not violent; they are simply demanding safety. We have been engaging with the Students’ Union to ensure such tragedies are avoided,” Lawal said.
The police chief disclosed that authorities were already taking steps to strengthen road safety in the area, including securing the iron barricade at the university gate and blocking unauthorized routes used by heavy trucks.
“We have mobilized engineers to lift and weld the barricade firmly so it cannot be removed again. The police, FRSC, and Civil Defence are on ground to maintain peace,” he added.
Lawal appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies. “This is a time for unity and caution, not agitation. Our goal is to ensure safety for all and prevent further loss of lives,” he said.
Fidelis David
