Reality TV star Ijeoma Josephine Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, has confirmed the death of her sister, Ruth Otabor in Auchi, Edo State, August 31, 2025.
Ruth, a graduate of Auchi Polytechnic, lost her life, following a devastating accident involving a Dangote Group truck.
The tragic incident occurred on August 31, marking a dark day for the family and raising serious questions about corporate responsibility and road safety in Nigeria.
Tragic Loss Confirmed
Phyna confirms the death of her sister Ruth’s passing on Sunday via her Instagram page.
The announcement conveyed deep sorrow and requested public respect for the family’s privacy during this painful period.
Legal representatives acting for the Otabor family stated in their message:
“With a heavy heart, the family regrets to announce the passing on to glory of their daughter, sister, and mother on this 31st Day of August 2025 at about 06:30.
The family is presently grieving and would appreciate being given a private moment to mourn the departed.
Funeral arrangements will be communicated to the public in due course.”
This heartbreaking declaration underscores the immense personal grief suffered by Phyna and the entire Otabor family.
The Incident: A Preventable Tragedy?
Ruth Otabor’s accident happened on August 13, 2025, near Auchi Polytechnic in Edo State.
Reports reveal the victim was struck by a truck belonging to the Dangote Group.
Shockingly, the driver was allegedly underage and unlicensed, raising critical safety and regulatory concerns.
Ruth lost one of her legs due to this accident but fought bravely to survive.
She later succumbed to her injuries, sparking outrage on social media and beyond.
Many Nigerians and road safety advocates have criticized Dangote Group’s role and called for stringent measures to prevent such negligent practices.
Allowing an allegedly unqualified driver to operate a large commercial vehicle reveals glaring lapses in corporate governance and public safety commitment.
Broken Promises by Dangote Group?
Following the accident, the Dangote Group initially promised comprehensive support for Ruth’s medical treatment.
Reports suggested she would be flown abroad for further care, signaling a commitment to aid her recovery.
This apparent abandonment has intensified calls for transparency and justice.
Many view Dangote Group’s actions as irresponsible and indicative of a broader culture of negligence within giant corporations when accountability is required.
Demand For Justice and Accountability
Phyna has since emerged as a vocal advocate seeking justice for Ruth.
She has demanded full disclosure of the circumstances surrounding the accident, responsible parties held accountable, and better safety regulations enforced to prevent future tragedies.
Her fight has drawn attention to pressing issues:
- The use of underage and unlicensed drivers by major corporations.
- The adequacy of road safety enforcement in Nigeria.
- The ethical responsibility of corporate entities towards victims and their families.
This case places a spotlight on systemic failures and corporate indifference that continue to endanger Nigerian lives daily.
A Nation’s Wake-Up Call
Ruth Otabor’s tragic death serves as a grim reminder about the human cost of negligence and poor regulatory oversight.
It reverberates beyond the Otabor family, exposing weaknesses in safety protocols and corporate accountability in Nigeria.
Phyna’s public appeal demands not only justice for her sister but also reforms to safeguard others.
The reaction to this case reflects public frustration with recurring incidents involving commercial vehicles and insufficient repercussions for negligent organizations.
From Mourning to Activism
This incident should compel Nigerian authorities, corporations, and society to reassess priorities concerning safety and corporate ethics.
Phyna confirms the death of her sister. Her courage in sharing her story brings important attention to a preventable disaster, sparking critical discussions on responsibility and justice.
It challenges companies like Dangote Group to honor their commitments transparently and prioritize human lives over profits.
The Otabor family’s grief reveals the harsh reality behind headlines, urging all Nigerians to demand stricter enforcement of regulations and respect for human dignity on our roads.
