Fresh tragedy struck Akungba-Akoko in Ondo State on Wednesday as a Dangote truck reportedly lost control and crushed several people to death, including a pregnant woman.
The horrifying incident, which has reignited anger across social media, was reported by Oluwaseun Ogunmola, popularly known as OB Sugar, on his Facebook page.
In his post, he recalled how he, Wándé T. Àjàyí, and members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) had, years ago, led a protest that resulted in the installation of barricades to prevent heavy-duty trucks from plying the dangerous Akungba route.
OB Sugar lamented that despite the safety measure, the same tragedy has resurfaced.
“This led to the installation of barricades then, but unfortunately, a Dangote truck still claimed several lives including a pregnant woman in the same Akungba Akoko today. The question is — how come? What happened to the barricade? Who gave access for trucks? It is shameful and pathetic,” he wrote.
Reacting in the comment section, Tenabe Felix, who participated in the earlier protests, expressed disappointment in community leaders and local authorities.
“Akungba has always been like that. They would open the barricade and collect money from trailers. It saddens that the king, chiefs, and political leaders are toying with people’s lives,” he stated.
Another commenter, David Olamigoke, claimed that the barricade was initially opened to allow the movement of heavy machinery for ongoing road construction but was later exploited for monetary gain.
“It was reported that the barricade was opened to transport heavy machinery for construction. Then allegedly, the palace boys started using that as an avenue to collect money from other trucks for passage,” Olamigoke alleged.
As of press time, official casualty figures were yet to be released, while rescue operations were said to be ongoing.
The Akungba-Akoko community, which hosts the Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA), has witnessed multiple fatal accidents involving articulated vehicles in recent years, prompting renewed calls for permanent restrictions on heavy trucks along the route.
