Dangote Cement Truck Cleared of Blame in Edo Road Tr∆gedy
Dangote Cement Truck Cleared of Blame in Edo Road Tragedy
The Coalition of Edo Civil Society Organisations (CECSO) has absolved Dangote Cement of responsibility in the fatal accident that occurred on the Auchi–Okpella–Okene road near the Omega Fire Ministry, Etsako West LGA of Edo State.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, August 20, 2025, and signed by its president, Comrade James Osahon, CECSO said its independent investigation confirmed police findings that a third-party cement truck — not a Dangote CNG truck — caused the crash.
According to the group, evidence from the scene showed the third-party truck lost control on a slope, likely due to brake failure, before ramming into other vehicles and colliding with the Dangote truck. The impact caused the Dangote vehicle to catch fire, making it an “unfortunate victim of circumstance.”
Police spokesperson CSP Moses Yamu had earlier confirmed that three vehicles were involved: two trucks and a Mercedes-Benz GLK. Three occupants of the GLK were taken to hospital but later confirmed dead.
CECSO condemned what it described as “malicious and mischievous” attempts by some individuals and online platforms to hastily blame Dangote Cement. It argued that such narratives disrespect the victims and distract from real road safety concerns.
“This smear campaign is nothing but a hatchet job,” Osahon stated, accusing shadowy interests of exploiting the tragedy to discredit Dangote Cement, particularly over its recent adoption of cleaner, safer CNG trucks.
The coalition urged stakeholders to focus on systemic issues such as road safety, vehicle maintenance, and regulation of third-party transport operators, stressing that targeting the wrong party will neither bring back lost lives nor prevent future accidents.
While commiserating with the bereaved families, CECSO called on government agencies to fast-track reforms that will ensure stricter standards for haulage vehicles. It pledged to keep monitoring the case to ensure victims get justice and that accurate information reaches the public.
