Civil Society in Edo Clears Air on Auchi Crash, Says Dangote Cement Truck Was Not at Fault
The Coalition of Edo Civil Society Organisations (CECSO) has clarified details of the recent accident along the Auchi-Okpella-Okene road, near the Omega Fire Ministry in Auchi, Etsako West LGA of Edo State, stating that the Dangote Cement truck involved was not responsible for the fatal crash. In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by […]
The Coalition of Edo Civil Society Organisations (CECSO) has clarified details of the recent accident along the Auchi-Okpella-Okene road, near the Omega Fire Ministry in Auchi, Etsako West LGA of Edo State, stating that the Dangote Cement truck involved was not responsible for the fatal crash.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its president, Comrade James Osahon, CECSO said its independent investigation, which included visits to the accident scene and consultations with security agencies, confirmed that another cement truck triggered the incident.
According to the coalition, findings showed that a third-party truck lost control on a slope, allegedly due to brake failure, and rammed into other vehicles before colliding with the Dangote Cement CNG truck, which subsequently caught fire.
The coalition’s position aligns with the confirmation by the Edo State Police Command. Police spokesperson, CSP Moses Yamu, said three vehicles were involved in the crash — two trucks and a Mercedes-Benz GLK. He added that the occupants of the GLK were confirmed dead after being evacuated to the hospital, while the fire that engulfed the Dangote truck was later put out.
CECSO commiserated with the families of the victims and called on relevant authorities to intensify road safety reforms, particularly stricter enforcement of haulage vehicle standards to reduce accidents linked to brake failure and poor vehicle maintenance.
The group also pledged to continue monitoring the case to ensure that accurate information reaches the public and that systemic safety issues are properly addressed.