From Owen Akenzua, Asaba
Tragedy struck in Asaba, Delta State, yesterday morning after a Dangote truck allegedly lost control and rammed into traders and passersby near Oko Market, close to Onitsha Toll Gate.
According to multiple reports and eyewitnesses, the accident occurred around 11:15am, leaving at least eight people dead and dozens injured. Many victims were rushed to St Rebecca Hospital in Mami Market, Asaba, for urgent treatment, while emergency responders were on the scene providing assistance.
This latest incident has reignited public concern, as it came few weeks after reports that another Dangote truck allegedly hit Ruth Otabor, the sister of Big Brother Naija star, Josephina “Phyna” Otabor. That earlier case sparked outrage across social media, with many Nigerians questioning the safety standards of heavy-duty trucks linked to Dangote Group.
As at the time of filing this report, the Delta State Police Command and officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, had not released an official statement.
Although there has been tension since the incident occurred yesterday, residents of the area who spoke to journalists, said Dangote truck had few weeks ago, allegedly crushed some persons to death in Auchi and Warri Towns.
But the police spokesman, SP Bright Edafe confirmed the incident, disclosing that investigation is ongoing and that the corpses were deposited at the Federal Medical Center, FMC, Asaba. He added that the police will soon issue a statement on the incident.
