Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State – October 22, 2025 – In a heartbreaking echo of past tragedies, a Dangote Group articulated truck suffered catastrophic brake failure while en route from Ikare to Akungba, smashing through the permanent barricade at the main gate of Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA). The incident, which unfolded earlier today, has left the university community reeling, with close to 10 individuals confirmed dead and several others injured.

The Students’ Union Government (SUG) of AAUA issued a somber announcement to the student body, expressing deep regret over the loss of life. Eyewitness accounts describe the truck veering out of control on the notoriously treacherous Ikare-Akungba road before barreling into the reinforced barrier—erected in 2021 precisely to shield the campus from such heavy vehicles following a similar deadly crash. That earlier accident, also involving a Dangote cement-laden trailer, killed over a dozen people, including students and residents, prompting the university to close its main gate and relocate market activities for safety.

Social media erupted with grief and frustration, with one user lamenting the pattern: “Why is it always a Dangote truck claiming lives on the road!!!?? … Dem comot barricade because of road construction, Dangote truck strikes again! Why!!?” The post highlights the temporary removal of the barricade amid ongoing roadworks, a decision now under scrutiny as it may have contributed to the vulnerability.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and local authorities have rushed to the scene, where rescue operations continue amid twisted metal and debris. Victims include students, vendors, and passersby near the gate, with hospitals in Akungba and nearby Owo overwhelmed by the influx of casualties. No official statement from Dangote Group has been released as of this evening, though the company has faced similar backlash in prior incidents for delayed responses and inadequate compensation pledges.

AAUA management, still haunted by the 2021 closure of the campus in the wake of protests over the “death trap” road, has urged calm while coordinating with Ondo State officials. “We are working round the clock to support the affected families and reinstate safety measures,” a university spokesperson said, echoing commitments from four years ago that called for road dualization and truck restrictions—measures yet to fully materialize.

This disaster underscores the persistent perils of the hilly Ikare-Akungba route, where sharp descents and heavy truck traffic have claimed dozens of lives since 2021, fueling student-led campaigns like #SaveAkungba. As the community mourns, calls grow louder for immediate federal intervention to enforce vehicle maintenance standards, complete road repairs, and honor the barricade’s protective intent.

Our thoughts are with the bereaved families, the AAUA community, and all those impacted. Updates will follow as investigations unfold.

As we all can recollect the Students’ Union has made several efforts to ensure that trucks stop plying akungba roads as it can cause danger to the lives and properties of our students.

We still remain resolute in the assurance of this struggle.
We implore all students to remain and fearless as we are up to the task of maintaining peace and order within the students community and as well to stay away from the highway for the time being.

E-SIGNED

Comr. AJIDAGBA Mosadoluwa Akinbobola
(MOSA GOLD)
AAUASU P.R.O
07067830651