The somber atmosphere of grief and outrage was palpable as family, friends, and sympathizers gathered on Saturday, September 13, 2025, to lay to rest Ruth Otabor, the younger sister of Big Brother Naija star Phyna.
The burial ceremony in Ogun State marked a tragic end to a two-week ordeal that began with a devastating road accident and ignited a national conversation about road safety and corporate accountability in Nigeria.
Ruth Otabor, a recent graduate of Auchi Polytechnic, tragically passed away on August 31, 2025, from injuries sustained in an accident on August 13. She was hit by a Dangote Group truck, an incident that left her with critical injuries, including a crushed leg that had to be amputated. Despite receiving medical attention, she ultimately succumbed to her wounds.
The initial days following the accident were marked by a desperate fight for Ruth’s life and a vocal public outcry led by Nigerian social media activist, VeryDarkMan, who actively used his platform to advocate for better medical attention for the young woman. His advocacy brought widespread attention to the case, putting pressure on all parties involved.
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Phyna, still reeling from the shock, made a public demand for her sister to be flown abroad for specialized medical treatment. In a heart-wrenching plea, she highlighted the perceived disparity in care, stating, “If it were Dangote’s daughter, she would have been flown abroad for better treatment.” This statement resonated deeply with many Nigerians who feel that the lives of ordinary citizens are not valued as highly as those of the country’s elite.
The tragic death of Ruth has sparked a renewed wave of anger and sorrow across Nigeria. It has once again brought to the forefront the long-standing issue of accidents involving Dangote trucks, which have been linked to a disturbing number of fatalities on Nigerian roads. Nigerians, in both traditional and social media, have expressed their grief and frustration, with many sharing stories of similar encounters with heavy-duty trucks on the nation’s highways.
There is a growing hope that Ruth’s death will not be in vain. Activists and concerned citizens are calling on the government to enact and enforce stricter laws and regulations for fleet operators, particularly for companies like Dangote that operate a large number of heavy-duty vehicles. The public is demanding accountability, better driver training, and more stringent vehicle maintenance standards to prevent such avoidable tragedies from reoccurring. The hope is that the government will heed these calls and ensure that the lives of Nigerians are protected on the roads, making a change that honors the memory of Ruth and countless others lost to similar accidents.
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