At least 10 persons have reportedly lost their
lives in a tragic accident that occurred near the main gate of Adekunle
Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, in Ondo State on Wednesday
evening.
The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety
Corps (FRSC) in the state confirmed the incident to Channels Television,
saying it occurred around 7:30 p.m. and involved a truck loaded with
stone dust and a motorcycle.
According to the commander, the truck lost control
and rammed into a barricade in front of the university. He urged
motorists to exercise caution, particularly during the ember months, and
to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before traveling.
The remains of the victims have been deposited
at a nearby hospital morgue.
The Public Relations Officer of the
university’s Students’ Union Government (SUG), Mosadoluwa Ajidagba,
said the articulated truck belonged to Dangote Cement and was en
route Ikare to Akungba when it suffered a brake failure and
crashed into the permanent barricade.
Ajidagba said the Students’ Union had
repeatedly appealed for trucks to be restricted from passing through the town
due to the recurring accidents, adding that Wednesday’s tragedy underscored the
urgency of that demand.
He also appealed to students to remain calm,
law-abiding, and stay away from the highway for their safety.
Reacting to the incident, the Executive Chairman of
Akoko South West Local Government, Ayo Ajana, expressed deep
sadness over the loss of lives and sympathized with the affected families
and the university community.
Ajana said the local government would engage state
and local stakeholders to push for permanent safety measures along
the Akungba highway and other high-risk areas within the local government area.
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