Ruth Otabor, the sister of Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner, Ijeoma “Phyna” Otabor, has undergone a leg amputation after being hit by a truck linked to Dangote Group near Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State.
The tragic accident occurred on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, just six days after Ruth graduated from Auchi Polytechnic.
According to eyewitnesses, the heavy-duty truck crushed her leg before it was eventually chased down and stopped by a bystander.
Phyna, who rose to fame in 2022 after winning the BBNaija “Level Up” edition and walking away with a ₦100 million prize package, is known for her outspoken personality and growing entertainment career.
She has now turned her platform toward seeking justice for her sister, accusing the company of negligence and vowing not to let the matter be swept under the carpet.
The incident has sparked an online storm, with supporters and celebrities rallying behind the reality star.
On X, user @Yvonne_Godswill posted, “Yesterday, Ruth’s life changed forever when a truck driver crushed her legs, leading to amputation.
Others pointed to the dangers of the Auchi area. @sleeky__ella commented, “Schooling in Auchi and coming back alive is a great testimony. If you know Auchi very well, you’ll understand how bad it is with those trucks.”
On Facebook, users expressed outrage and raised concerns over driver competence. Bapidak Stephen Somshak alleged, “Most heavy-duty truck drivers don’t have licences; they are conductors turned drivers. I experienced one while helping a family friend relocate to Benue from Abuja.”
Peter Omenye added, “He must be an apprentice driver engaged by the main driver! The practice is very, very common in Nigeria among trailer and tanker drivers. FRSC is well aware of the practice!”
Chichi Bassey questioned, “What a sad incident! How can they hand over a truck to someone without a licence? This is pure negligence.”
In a release dated August 14, 2025, the Dangote Group addressed the incident, stating, “Following the recent road accident in Auchi, Edo State, involving one of our trucks, which sadly resulted in injury to Mrs. Ruth Otabor, senior officials from Dangote Cement Plc, together with our Insurance team, promptly visited the scene, engaged with law enforcement authorities, and visited the victim and her family at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Edo State.
“This action reflects our unwavering commitment to the well-being of those affected. We are ensuring full support for Mrs. Otabor, including comprehensive medical care and appropriate compensation, in line with Dangote Group’s welfare policy.
“Our thoughts remain with Mrs. Ruth Otabor and her loved ones, and we wish her a full and speedy recovery.”
As the hashtag #JusticeForRuth trends across platforms, many are calling for the firm to take responsibility and for authorities to ensure the case is handled transparently.
