Outrage and grief have continued to spread across Auchi following the death of three people in a fatal crash involving a Dangote cement truck on Sunday. The accident, which occurred near the Omega Fire Ministry (OFM) headquarters, has sparked protests and renewed calls for restrictions on heavy-duty trucks in the area.
In the wake of the tragedy, controversial social critic Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), met with the General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministry, Apostle Johnson Suleman, at the scene of the incident.
Videos shared on social media show the two men speaking on top of a pedestrian bridge near the accident spot, as a crowd of residents and supporters gathered below, cheering them on. Though the details of their conversation remain unclear, sources say their discussion focused on the dangers posed by Dangote trucks and the need for immediate government action.
According to eyewitnesses, the accident happened on Sunday afternoon when a Dangote cement truck lost control and crushed a vehicle carrying passengers. The incident happened just a few meters from the church premises of Apostle Suleman in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.
All three passengers in the car were confirmed dead on the spot. Their identities had not been officially released as of press time.
The latest tragedy has brought fresh attention to the growing concerns over road safety in Auchi, where multiple fatal accidents involving Dangote trucks have occurred in recent months.
This recent incident follows closely behind another devastating crash involving a Dangote cement truck that claimed the life of Ruth Otabor, the younger sister of Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner, Phyna. Ruth had just graduated from Auchi Polytechnic only six days before the fatal crash that took her life.
Her death sparked widespread anger on social media, with many Nigerians demanding answers from the Dangote Group and relevant government agencies. Calls for accountability grew louder, especially from the Auchi community, where residents say the movement of large trucks through the town poses a daily threat to lives.
In response to the ongoing accidents, VDM joined local residents in a peaceful protest demanding that Dangote trucks be banned from passing through the town.
Protesters carried placards and blocked parts of the road, calling on the Edo State Government, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the Dangote Group to provide lasting solutions.
VDM, who has gained a reputation for speaking out on social issues, expressed frustration over the repeated accidents. He argued that the safety of the people should be more important than profit or business operations.
“How many more people must die before something is done?” he asked during a live video broadcast. “Auchi is not a dumping ground for careless driving or poorly maintained trucks. The people have had enough.”
Apostle Johnson Suleman, whose church is located very close to the scene of Sunday’s accident, also voiced concern. Though he did not make an official public statement at the time of the incident, his meeting with VDM signals a growing alignment between religious leaders and activists on the issue.
Sources close to the church say Suleman is worried about the safety of residents and worshippers, especially as his church draws large crowds every week.
Community leaders and youth organizations in Auchi have also joined the call for better traffic regulations and stricter enforcement of safety standards for all trucks operating in the area.
As of the time of filing this report, the Dangote Group had not issued any public statement regarding the Sunday accident. Attempts to reach their public affairs office for comment were unsuccessful.
In previous incidents, the company has promised to investigate, compensate victims’ families, and improve road safety. However, critics say not enough has been done to stop the continued loss of lives.
The frequency of fatal accidents involving Dangote trucks in Auchi and other parts of Nigeria has sparked a nationwide debate about road safety, corporate responsibility, and government regulation.
For the people of Auchi, however, this is more than a debate—it is a matter of life and death.
With pressure mounting, all eyes are now on the Edo State Government, law enforcement agencies, and Dangote Group to act decisively before more lives are lost.
