Dangote Group has confirmed that one of its cement trucks was involved in the accident that cost Ruth Otabor, sister of Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner Phyna, her right leg after a collision in Auchi, Edo State. The crash, which occurred earlier this week, has sparked nationwide outrage and renewed calls for stricter corporate accountability on Nigerian roads.
According to the company, senior executives and its insurance team immediately visited Ruth at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, where she is receiving treatment, to assess her condition and provide both moral and financial support. The visit followed the company’s stated welfare policy for accident victims involving its vehicles.
Dangote Group, in its official statement, pledged “comprehensive medical care and appropriate compensation” for Ruth, stressing that the company’s thoughts remain with her and her family. The statement added that the company had engaged with law enforcement at the accident scene to ensure full cooperation with investigations.
Phyna, whose real name is Ijeoma Otabor, had earlier taken to social media to demand justice for her sister, sharing photos and updates that quickly went viral. The emotional posts triggered an outpouring of sympathy from fans, celebrities, and rights advocates, many of whom called for Dangote to take immediate responsibility.
Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw and other public figures joined the campaign, amplifying calls for systemic change in how trucking companies manage safety and accountability. Many pointed to recurring cases of heavy-duty trucks causing fatalities and life-altering injuries across the country.
The company’s swift public acknowledgment and commitment to Ruth’s recovery stand in contrast to past incidents where corporate responses were slow or deflective. Industry analysts say Dangote Group’s proactive approach may help repair public perception, but note that it also puts pressure on the company to deliver on every promise made.
As Ruth begins her long road to recovery, the spotlight remains firmly on Dangote Group’s next steps — from ensuring medical costs are fully covered, to transparent compensation processes, and potential safety reforms aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future.
