Tragic Loss Of Ruth Otabor, Sister Of BBNaija Star Phyna, Following Accident.
Ruth Otabor, the younger sister of Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner Ijeoma Josephina Otabor, known as Phyna, has tragically passed away following a severe accident involving a Dangote Group truck. The devastating incident occurred on 13 August 2025 near Auchi Polytechnic in Edo State, just six days after Ruth celebrated her graduation from the institution. Despite medical efforts, Ruth succumbed to her injuries on Sunday, 31 August 2025, at approximately 6:30 a.m., as confirmed by a statement from Eko Solicitors & Advocates on behalf of the Otabor family.
The accident left Ruth with critical injuries, necessitating the amputation of her left leg at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital. She was later transferred to Lagoon Hospital in Lagos for advanced treatment, with plans to fly her to India for further care. Sadly, complications from her injuries proved fatal before these arrangements could be finalised. The family, in their statement, expressed profound grief, describing Ruth as a beloved daughter, sister, and mother, and requested privacy as they mourn. Funeral arrangements are to be announced in due course.
Phyna had been vocal in her pursuit of justice, alleging that the truck driver, reportedly unlicensed and underage, attempted to flee the scene before being apprehended by a bystander. She accused the Dangote Group and local authorities of attempting to obscure the incident, including claims that the truck’s number plate was removed at the company’s behest. The reality star’s impassioned pleas on social media, including Instagram posts demanding accountability, sparked widespread outrage and support from fans and celebrities, with hashtags like #JusticeForRuth trending online.
In response, the Dangote Group issued statements expressing sorrow and outlining their commitment to supporting Ruth’s medical care and providing compensation. The company confirmed that senior officials and their insurance team visited the accident site and Ruth’s family at the hospital, pledging comprehensive support. On 31 August, following Ruth’s passing, the group released a statement expressing deep sadness, noting their efforts to cover medical expenses and their plans to facilitate advanced treatment abroad. They reiterated their commitment to safety and accountability, extending condolences to the Otabor family.
The tragedy has reignited concerns about the safety record of heavy-duty trucks in Nigeria, with many online voices, including social media critic VeryDarkMan, highlighting a pattern of accidents involving Dangote vehicles. Public sentiment, as seen in posts on X, reflects frustration over perceived negligence and a lack of accountability, with some calling for systemic changes to prevent such incidents.
The loss of Ruth, a 21-year-old with a bright future ahead, has left a profound impact on her family and supporters. Phyna, who rose to fame in 2022 after winning BBNaija’s “Level Up” edition, has been praised for her resilience in advocating for her sister. The outpouring of condolences across social media underscores the widespread grief and solidarity with the Otabor family during this heartbreaking time.