In a bold and highly publicized action, Nigerian activist Martins Vincent Otse—better known as VeryDarkMan—has mobilized residents of Auchi to block Dangote trucks from using key roads in the area. The protest, sparked by a rising number of accidents involving Dangote vehicles, demands that the company take responsibility for victims’ medical bills and ensure stricter oversight of its drivers.
Triggering Incidents: A Pattern of Tragedy
On Sunday, August 17, a fatal crash occurred in front of the Omega Fire Ministry in Auchi. A Dangote cement truck, another unidentified truck, and a GLK Benz were involved—resulting in the deaths of three people, with multiple others injured.
Just days before, a female graduate—Ruth Otanor, 22—was hit by a Dangote truck, suffering a leg amputation.
Her family alleges the driver lacked proper licensing and they accuse the company of neglecting her medical expenses.
VeryDarkMan’s Standpoint
VeryDarkMan asserts that Dangote is disproportionately responsible for road casualties in the region and accuses the company of negligence. In a video message, he stated:
> “We… have no choice but to stop all Dangote drivers from using our roads until you… regulate your drivers and take care of the damages you have caused.”
His protest allows all non-Dangote vehicles to pass freely; only those branded under the Dangote emblem are halted. He insists the measure is both targeted and justified—not intended to obstruct general traffic.
Varied Reactions
The protest has ignited strong reactions across social media and comment platforms:
> “Dangote trucks have killed many Nigerians on expressways and nothing is done about it… Enough is enough.”
— LagosOrigin, Nairaland
“Don’t take the law into your hands… Blocking the road inconveniences farmers, disrupts supplies…”
— danzaki63, Nairaland
Meanwhile, authoritative sources caution that the crash may not have been directly the fault of a Dangote vehicle. An eyewitness told The Independent that brake failure caused a commercial truck to crash into multiple vehicles—not necessarily a Dangote truck.
Growing Conversation on Accountability
This movement spotlights broader systemic issues: driver licensing, corporate responsibility, and enforcement of road safety standards. Many Nigerians are demanding that large corporations like Dangote institute rigorous vetting procedures for drivers, enforce proper licensing, and contribute to victims’ welfare when accidents occur.
So far, the Dangote Group has not issued an official response to the latest wave of accusations or the activist-led blockade.
Issue Details
Fatal Accidents Three killed (Aug 17) in Auchi; 22-year-old victim injured in earlier crash
Activist Action VeryDarkMan blocks only Dangote trucks until medical bills are paid, and drivers regulated
Company Held Accountable For Licensing of drivers, compensation for victims
Public Sentiment Mixed—some support direct action, others warn of legal risk and disruption
Corporate Response None yet publicly available
