9 Dead as Dangote Cement Truck Crushes Traders and Pedestrians Near AAUA Gate in Akungba

Tragedy struck on Wednesday night in Akungba-Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State, when a cement-laden truck reportedly belonging to Dangote Cement lost control and rammed into pedestrians and traders, killing nine people, including a pregnant woman, a mother and her child.

The fatal accident occurred around 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, just a few metres from the main gate of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), and the Holy Trinity Church, an area known for its heavy human and vehicular activity.

According to eyewitnesses, the articulated truck, which was reportedly en route from Obajana in Kogi State, allegedly suffered a brake failure before ploughing through the crowded area. The incident left several others injured and caused panic among residents and students of the university.

The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ondo State, Samuel Ibitoye, confirmed the casualty figure, identifying the dead as five men, two women, and one male child. The bodies of the victims have since been deposited at the government hospital morgue in Akungba.

In a statement, the Students’ Union of Adekunle Ajasin University condemned the incident, describing it as “another round of avoidable deaths caused by negligence.” The union urged students to remain calm but to avoid the highway until concrete safety measures are implemented.

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Meanwhile, Students are planning a protest to express their grievances about the incident.