Tragedy has struck the family of reality TV star and Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner, Ijeoma Josephina Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, as her younger sister, Ruth Otabor, has been confirmed dead after battling for her life following a horrific accident involving a Dangote truck.
Ruth, whose legs were crushed in the crash earlier this year, had been receiving intensive medical care after undergoing multiple surgeries in a bid to save her life. Despite efforts by doctors and the emotional support from her family, she succumbed to her injuries on Sunday night, August 31, 2025.
The fatal accident reportedly occurred in Benin City, Edo State, when a Dangote cement truck lost control and rammed into the vehicle Ruth was travelling in. Witnesses said the impact was so severe that she sustained catastrophic injuries to her lower limbs. The driver of the truck was arrested at the scene as angry youths nearly lynched him before security operatives intervened.
Ruth’s passing has left the Otabor family shattered. Phyna, who had earlier rallied her fans and fellow celebrities to support her sister’s recovery with prayers and donations, has yet to issue a statement, but sources close to the family confirmed that she is “devastated beyond words.”
The incident has reignited conversations around the frequent involvement of heavy-duty trucks in fatal road crashes across Nigeria. According to data from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), over 1,700 people died in truck-related accidents in 2024 alone, with Dangote Group’s fleet frequently mentioned in public complaints, though the company insists it is committed to road safety.
Civil society groups are now renewing calls for stricter enforcement of truck regulations, better driver training, and the restriction of heavy vehicles to night movements in congested cities. Road safety advocates say Ruth’s death should be a wake-up call for authorities to act decisively.
Tributes have begun to pour in on social media under the hashtag #JusticeForRuthOtabor, with fans of Phyna, Nollywood stars, and BBNaija alumni expressing shock and grief while demanding accountability. “Another young life cut short by negligence on our roads. Nigeria must do better,” one X user wrote.
