Dangote Group has distanced itself from the truck involved in a fatal road accident in Akungba-Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State, which claimed the lives of at least eight people, including a pregnant woman.
Earlier reports indicated that the tragic crash occurred on Wednesday evening when a truck, allegedly carrying cement, lost control and rammed into several roadside shops along the Owo–Akungba–Ikare Expressway, near the Holy Trinity Church.
The incident caused panic in the town as residents and students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA) rushed to the scene of the accident.
Confirming the tragedy, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Sector Commander in Ondo 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 social media claims that the vehicle belonged to Dangote Group, the company issued a statement on Thursday categorically 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 stressed that the vehicle had no connection whatsoever with its fleet or subsidiaries.
“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 truck’s registration details confirmed that it 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.
Dangote Industries further explained that all its trucks are properly branded, tracked, and operated under a strict management and safety protocol.
“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 the victims and their families, the company urged the public and media to verify facts before linking any vehicle to the Dangote brand.
“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,” it appealed.
Dangote Industries concluded by reaffirming its commitment to public safety, compliance, and responsible corporate conduct.
“Dangote Industries remains steadfast in its commitment to road safety, regulatory compliance, and responsible corporate citizenship across all its operations in Nigeria and beyond,” the statement said.