The people of Umuozu in Nwangele LGA of Imo State are mourning following the death of five family members allegedly killed in a motor accident involving a Dangote Group truck.
The five family members were said to be returning back to Abuja after the burial of their mother when the accident occurred.
Speaking to journalists, the councillor representing Umuozu Ward in Nwangele Legislative Council, Vitalis Ihejiekwu, expressed sadness over the incident, describing it as a major tragedy.
The councillor who recalled that the accident happened at Enugu, said the victims who were travelling in a Toyota Corolla were burnt beyond recognition in the accident.
He disclosed that the truck which was allegedly carrying BUA cement, experienced a brake failure and rammed unto the Toyota Corolla conveying the victims, crushing them beyond recognition.
Condemning what he called excessive recklessness and domineering attitude of heavy truck drivers on Nigerian roads, the councillor charged relevant bodies to ensure that the owners and operators of the vehicle are held accountable for the incident.
He also called for adequate compensation to the victims’ family, even as he noted that no amount of money that can be equated to life.
However, reacting to the incident, Dangote Group, through its information unit, distanced itself from the incident, claiming that the particular truck in question is not part of its fleet but is operated by a third party.
The company said the truck used its logo without authorization.
“We are engaging with the appropriate agencies to find out why the truck was carrying our logo when it is not part of our fleet,” the company stated.
