Tragedy struck once again in Akungba-Akoko, the bustling university community in Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State, as a cement-laden truck belonging to Dangote Cement reportedly lost control and crushed eight people to death, including a pregnant woman, her child, and several others.
The heartbreaking incident occurred on Wednesday night, October 22, 2025, around 8:00 p.m., just a few meters from the main gate of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), and near the popular Holy Trinity Church.
Eyewitnesses recounted that the articulated truck, which was coming from Obajana in Kogi State, was fully loaded with bags of cement and had been descending a steep slope when its brakes reportedly failed. The driver lost control, and in a desperate attempt to stop the vehicle, it veered off the road, plowing into traders, students, and passersby along the busy roadside.
In a matter of seconds, what had been a lively evening filled with market activity turned into a scene of chaos and bloodshed. Witnesses said screams filled the air as the truck crushed multiple people before finally coming to a halt after hitting a barricade.
According to residents, this was not the first time such a tragedy had occurred in the area. Akungba-Akoko, home to thousands of students and traders, has witnessed several fatal truck crashes over the years, particularly near the AAUA main gate.
In 2021, a similar incident involving a truck belonging to the same company claimed several lives, prompting the local community to mount a barricade to prevent heavy-duty vehicles from using the route. However, locals lamented that the barricade was later removed, allegedly to allow truck drivers passage after payments were made to some individuals.
One resident, who identified himself as Tope, blamed both the government and the community for failing to enforce safety measures.
“We warned them. That barricade was there to save lives. But some people started collecting ₦10,000 from truck drivers to let them pass. Now, see what has happened again. This community is tired of crying,” he said with frustration.
Another eyewitness, a trader near the scene, described the moment of the crash as “horrifying.”
“The truck was coming with full speed. We heard people shouting, but before anyone could move, it had already crushed many. The pregnant woman and her little child died instantly,” she said tearfully.
Confirming the incident, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ondo State, Mr. Ezekiel Ibitoye, said eight persons died in the accident.
“The deceased persons include five males, two females, and one child. The truck ran into a barricade in front of Adekunle Ajasin University and lost control, leading to the crash,” he stated.
He added that the remains of the deceased had been evacuated and deposited at the morgue, while survivors were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The tragic event has since sparked outrage and mourning across the Akungba community. Many residents have taken to social media to express their grief and anger, tagging the Ondo State Government, the Federal Road Safety Corps, and the Dangote Group, demanding that decisive steps be taken to prevent future disasters.
Local youth were seen gathering at the scene late into the night, calling for the permanent ban of heavy trucks from passing through the community. Some expressed fears that, without firm government intervention, more lives could be lost in the future.
A student of Adekunle Ajasin University, identified simply as Mariam, described the atmosphere on campus as tense.
“We are all scared. This keeps happening every few years, and nothing changes. The university is losing students and residents to these accidents. It’s time something serious is done,” she said.
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