Not less than 10 people have been confirmed dead in fatal accident after a Dangote truck conveying bags of cement rammed shops and vehicles at Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) main gate on Saturday.
The truck with the logo of Dangote Group lost control after it suffered brake failure before running into students and residents of the Akungba-Akoko town in Ondo State.
The incident happened few days before the commencement of the institution’s first semester examination. This accident claimed the life of the former Student Union President, Adesomoju Oluwatobiloba, popularly known as Sampraise.
The management of the school in a circular commiserates with the families and friends of the people that lost their lives to the disastrous accident.
“The Management of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko received with great shock the news of an accident involving a Dangote trailer which occurred in the evening of today Saturday 23rd January, 2021 in which some of our students sadly lost their lives.
“Management commiserates with the University community in particular and the Akungba community in general on the sad incident. Management had also informed Government about this unfortunate incident and we are working with Government to prevent a reoccurrence.”
Meanwhile, as a temporary measure, the management of the school has directed that the main gate should be closed with immediate effect. Staff and students are therefore requested to use other gates to gain entry into the school premises.
As a mark of respect, the school announced the postponement of the first semester examination. The school further appeals to students to remain calm as the University mourns the lost souls.
“As a mark of respect for our departed students, the examinations scheduled to start on Monday 24th January, 2021 is hereby postponed till further notice.
“We appeal that our students should remain calm, as the University mourns those that lost their lives in this unfortunate incident. The University and the Ondo State Government are working round the clock to institute permanent solutions to the problem of incessant road accidents along Ikare-Akungba road.”
Due to the ‘attendant’ protest by students, the Acting Vice Chancellor on behalf of the Senate, has directed that the University be closed with immediate effect until further notice. Students are advised to vacate the campus.
As of the time of filing this report, the Akungba-Ikare road is blocked from major and minor vehicles.
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