Dangote Group Denies Ownership Of Truck Involved In Fatal Akungba Acc!dent
Dangote Group Denies Ownership Of Truck Involved In Fatal Akungba Accident
The incident threw the town into chaos as residents and students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), trooped to the scene.
Dangote Group has distanced itself from the truck that caused a fatal road accident in Akungba-Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State, where at least eight people, including a pregnant woman, reportedly lost their lives.
SaharaReporters had earlier reported that the crash occurred on Wednesday evening when a truck loaded with cement allegedly lost control and rammed into several roadside shops along the Owo–Akungba–Ikare expressway near the Holy Trinity Church.
The incident threw the town into chaos as residents and students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), trooped to the scene.
Confirming the incident, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Sector Commander in the state, Samuel Ibitoye, said the truck lost control after hitting a barricade in front of the university, killing five males, two females, and a male child.
Following widespread claims that the truck belonged to Dangote Group, the company issued a statement on Thursday refuting the allegation.
“Dangote Group has refuted reports circulating on social media and in some online platforms linking it to a truck involved in a road accident in Akungba-Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State,” the statement read.
The company made it clear that the vehicle had no connection to its fleet or operations.
“The company wishes to make it categorically clear that the truck involved in the unfortunate incident does not belong to Dangote Group or any of its subsidiaries,” it added.
According to the statement, independent checks on the vehicle’s registration revealed that the truck was not part of the Dangote fleet.
“Verified vehicle registration details confirm that the truck with Plate No. JJJ 365 XB, is owned and operated by an independent logistics company with no affiliation to Dangote Group. For the avoidance of doubt, the truck was not conveying any Dangote products but was transporting crushed stones in reused sacks bearing various brand names,” the company clarified.
The company further explained that its trucks are always properly branded and tracked under a strict management system.
“Dangote Industries maintains a strict policy on fleet management and vehicle identification, ensuring that all its trucks are properly branded, tracked, and operated by trained personnel under rigorous safety and compliance standards. For clarity, all genuine Dangote trucks carry distinct company markings and fleet numbers, making them easily identifiable,” the statement said.
Expressing sympathy for those affected by the tragedy, the Group urged members of the public and the media to confirm facts before linking any vehicle to the company.
“While the company deeply sympathises with all those affected by the incident, it urges members of the public and the media to verify information before attributing ownership or involvement to Dangote Group. The company also advises media organisations to refrain from using images of Dangote-branded trucks in connection with accidents or incidents unrelated to its operations,” the statement appealed.
Dangote Industries concluded by reaffirming its commitment to public safety and responsible corporate practices.
“Dangote Industries remains steadfast in its commitment to road safety, regulatory compliance, and responsible corporate citizenship across all its operations in Nigeria and beyond,” it said.
