Dangote refutes media reports of truck crushing pregnant woman, child, others to death

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.

 

Earlier reports had indicated that a truck owned by Dangote Industries Limited bearing cement crushed a pregnant woman, a child, and six others to death in an accident along Akungba-Akoko Road in Ondo State.

 

The Federal Road Safety Corps confirmed the accident in Ondo State in front of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko on Wednesday.

 

Dr. Samuel Ibitoye, the FRSC State Sector Commander, made the disclosure in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

 

Ibitoye, who said the accident involved a motorcycle and the Dangote truck loaded with cement, explained that five male adults, two female adults, and one male child were killed in the incident.

 

The Sector Commander said the accident happened after the truck avoided a motorcycle and ran into a barricade in front of the university, losing control, which resulted in the crash.

 

In a swift reaction, Dangote Industries clarified that the truck involved in the unfortunate incident does not belong to Dangote Group or any of its subsidiaries.

 

In a statement signed by its management on Thursday, Dangote Group said the 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.

 

“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 further noted.

 

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.

 

Dangote Industries reiterated its commitment to road safety, regulatory compliance, and responsible corporate citizenship across all its operations in Nigeria and beyond.