Dangote refutes claims linking its truck to fatal Ondo crash

The Dangote Group has denied reports linking one of its trucks to a fatal road accident that occurred in Akungba-Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State.

PUNCH Online reports that the Federal Road Safety Corps had earlier confirmed that eight people died in the Akungba-Akoko crash, which involved a truck and a bus

According to the FRSC’s Public Education Officer in Ondo State, Abiola Fadumo, the accident occurred when the truck rammed into a commercial bus, resulting in multiple fatalities.

In a statement issued on Thursday on its X (formerly Twitter) page, the company said the truck involved in the crash, identified with Plate No. JJJ 365 XB does not belong to Dangote Group or any of its subsidiaries.

“Dangote Group has refuted reports circulating on social media and some online platforms linking it to a truck involved in a road accident in Akungba-Akoko. 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,” the statement read.

According to the statement, vehicle registration details confirmed that the truck was owned and operated by an independent logistics company with no affiliation to Dangote Group.

It added that the truck was conveying crushed stones in reused sacks bearing various brand names, and not Dangote products.

“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 said.

Dangote Industries explained that its fleet management system ensures proper branding, tracking, and operation of all its vehicles by trained personnel under strict safety and compliance standards.

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The statement continued: “For clarity, all genuine Dangote trucks carry distinct company markings and fleet numbers, making them easily identifiable.”

While expressing sympathy for victims of the Akungba-Akoko crash, the company urged the public and media organisations to verify information before attributing ownership or involvement to it.

“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,” it added.

The Group also cautioned against the use of images of Dangote-branded trucks in reports of unrelated accidents.

It reaffirmed its commitment to road safety, regulatory compliance, and responsible corporate citizenship across Nigeria and beyond.

“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 concluded.