Ruth Otabor, the younger sister of Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner Ijeoma “Phyna” Otabor, has undergone a leg amputation.
This follows a truck accident involving a Dangote Group vehicle near Auchi Polytechnic in Edo State.
The incident took place on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, just six days after Ruth’s graduation from Auchi Polytechnic.
Eyewitnesses Describe the Incident
Reports indicate that Ruth’s leg was severely crushed by the heavy-duty truck. A bystander managed to stop the driver after pursuing the vehicle for a distance.
Phyna Demands Justice for Her Sister
Phyna, known for winning the BBNaija “Level Up” edition in 2022, is now using her platform to demand accountability.
She has accused Dangote Group of negligence and insisted that this case must be addressed appropriately.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with the hashtag #JusticeForRuth gaining significant traction. Supporters, celebrities, and the public have joined Phyna in calling for justice.
Concerns Over Truck Driver Training
Online discussions have raised questions about the qualifications of truck drivers in Nigeria.
Some social media users, like Bapidak Stephen Somshak, claimed that many drivers lack valid licenses and are often promoted from conducting roles without adequate training.
Others, including Peter Omenye, suggested that the driver in this case may have been an apprentice, a common yet dangerous practice in the Nigerian trucking sector.
Dangote Group Responds to the Incident
In a statement issued on August 14, 2025, Dangote Group expressed sympathy for Ruth and confirmed their involvement in the incident’s aftermath. The company stated that senior officials, along with their insurance team, promptly visited the scene, interacted with law enforcement, and met with Ruth’s family at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital.
“We are providing full support, including medical care and compensation in accordance with Dangote Group’s welfare policy,” the statement said.
“Our thoughts are with Ruth and her family, and we wish her a full and speedy recovery.”
Calls for Transparency and Accountability
Despite the company’s response, many Nigerians are demanding transparency in the handling of the case.
The #JusticeForRuth campaign has gained momentum, calling for stricter regulations on heavy-duty truck operations, especially in densely populated areas.
As Ruth remains in the hospital, the focus continues to grow on road safety, corporate responsibility, and the quest for justice in Nigeria.
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