Journalist Escapes Death as Dangote Truck Crashes into Vehicle in Benin

A veteran journalist, Comrade Erasmus Ikhide, had a narrow brush with death on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, following a serious road accident involving a Dangote Cement truck along the Benin-Sapele Expressway in Benin City.

According to eyewitnesses, the truck—allegedly speeding—veered into Ikhide’s Toyota salon car, causing the vehicle to somersault three times. Remarkably, Ikhide emerged from the wreckage without injuries.

Renewed Outcry Over Road Safety Regulations

The incident has reignited public concern over the safety of roads in Benin City and the oversight of heavy-duty trucks operating in the area. Citizens are calling for immediate and concrete action from relevant authorities, including stricter enforcement of traffic laws and improved monitoring of commercial vehicles.

There are growing demands for:

• Prompt compensation mechanisms for victims of such accidents
• The establishment of a permanent Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) emergency unit along Sapele Road
• Sanctions against negligent truck drivers to serve as a deterrent

Pattern of Dangerous Driving by Dangote Trucks

This accident adds to a troubling pattern of fatal incidents involving Dangote trucks:

• On August 18, 2025, a Dangote truck collided with a Mercedes-Benz, resulting in three deaths and one injury.
• Another crash at Odukpani Junction in Ondo State saw a Dangote truck plow into five vehicles and a motorcycle, leaving 24 people injured.
• In Asaba, Delta State, a runaway Dangote truck killed at least eight people and injured several others after crashing into traders and pedestrians.

Journalist’s Investigative Work Raises Suspicions

Ikhide is known for his investigative series titled “Federal Republic of Aliko Dangote,” which chronicles multiple road tragedies linked to Dangote-owned trucks. With over 12 reports published, the journalist has been an outspoken critic of the company’s operational standards.

Given the nature of the incident and Ikhide’s history of reporting on Dangote trucks, concerns have emerged over whether the crash was purely accidental or a possible assassination attempt.

Call to Action for Government Agencies

With the “ember months” approaching—a period often associated with increased road traffic accidents—the Edo State Ministry of Transport, Federal Road Safety Commission, and Nigeria Police Force are being urged to step up enforcement efforts.

Stakeholders insist that errant truck drivers must be held accountable, and systemic measures must be implemented to curb the rising wave of preventable accidents across Edo State and beyond.