NAUS Joins Ondo Protest, Demands Justice Over Student Deaths

The National Association of University Students has demanded immediate justice and systemic reforms following the death of students in another accident involving a Dangote Cement truck near Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State.

The association described the 22 October tragedy as a “recurring nightmare” that has turned academic communities into death zones.

In a statement made available to journalists on Thursday, the NAUS Deputy National President, Comrade Dr Meshach Anthony Nwankwo (DVM), said the national leadership would arrive in Akungba Akoko today to join a peaceful protest with other student bodies, including the Ondo NAUS CMC, AAUASU, and NANS Ondo JCC.

According to him, the delegation would visit hospitals to sympathise with the injured, pay condolence visits to bereaved families, and ensure that justice is served.

Eyewitnesses blamed the incident on brake failure, a situation NAUS said exposed “gross corporate negligence” by Dangote Cement Plc through poor vehicle maintenance, overloading, and inadequate driver training.

“Such reckless disregard for safety has transformed student-populated communities into death traps,” Nwankwo said, stressing that complacency was no longer acceptable.

While acknowledging efforts by the Ondo State Government to improve road safety through widening projects and barricades, NAUS condemned those who allegedly dismantled safety barriers for extortion.

The association demanded that Dangote Cement Plc install anti-lock braking systems, electronic stability control, and invest in advanced driver training, alongside corporate-funded safety measures such as rumble strips and bypass routes.

It further called for the introduction of black boxes in heavy-duty vehicles and the establishment of community-led oversight committees to ensure compliance.

“Dangote Cement Plc must take full responsibility for the victims—covering hospital bills, compensation, and burial costs,” Nwankwo declared.

He said the tragedy must mark a turning point for meaningful reform, warning that “enough lives have been sacrificed on the altar of negligence.”