Tears Flow As Dangote Group Breaks Silence On The Tragic Passing Of Phyna’s Sister Ruth Otabor After Truck Accident In Auchi

The entertainment world has been thrown into mourning as Dangote Group officially confirmed the heartbreaking death of Ruth Otabor, younger sister to reality TV star and Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner, Ijeoma Josephine Otabor, popularly known as Phyna. In a deeply emotional statement released on Sunday, August 31, 2025, the conglomerate expressed shock, pain, and sorrow over the devastating loss following a road accident involving one of its trucks in Auchi, Edo State. The news has since spread across Nigeria, drawing tears, outrage, and an outpouring of sympathy from fans, celebrities, and ordinary Nigerians alike.

The statement signed by the management of Dangote Group described Ruth as a brave young woman who fought valiantly for her life after sustaining severe injuries in the crash. According to the company, officials of the group and their insurance partners had immediately swung into action after the incident, covering all hospital bills and supporting the family throughout the trying period. Dangote further revealed that plans had already been concluded to airlift Ruth to India for advanced medical treatment once her doctors in Nigeria gave clearance. However, in what has now left her loved ones and the wider public in anguish, her condition deteriorated and she tragically passed away before that could happen.

The statement read in part: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Ruth Otabor, who was injured in the recent road incident involving one of our trucks in Auchi, Edo State. On behalf of the entire Dangote Group, we extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and loved ones at this difficult time. Since the accident, our officials and insurance partners have been by her side, covering all financial and medical costs and supporting her family. Arrangements had been made for her to be flown to India for advanced treatment, pending medical clearance from her doctors. Sadly, despite these efforts and Ruth’s brave fight to live, we lost her today. At Dangote Group, safety, accountability, and compassion remain at the core of our operations. We remain committed to strengthening our safety systems and supporting those affected in moments of tragedy. May God grant her mercy and eternal rest.”

The accident, which occurred earlier in August, had already sparked widespread conversations about the safety standards of trucks operating on Nigerian roads. The loss of Ruth, a vibrant young woman with a promising future ahead of her, has now reignited calls for urgent reforms and stricter enforcement of road safety regulations in the country. Eyewitnesses in Auchi had earlier recounted the chaotic scene when the Dangote truck lost control, colliding with multiple vehicles and leaving several people injured, with Ruth sustaining the most severe injuries. Her connection to Phyna, one of Nigeria’s most beloved reality stars, threw the case further into the public spotlight as many demanded accountability and justice.

Since news of her passing broke, tributes have been pouring in from celebrities, colleagues in the entertainment industry, and countless fans who have flooded social media with condolence messages. Phyna herself, who has often described her younger sister as her “best friend and confidant,” has been visibly shattered by the loss. In a heart-wrenching post on her official page, she wrote: “My heart is broken beyond repair. My sister, my Ruth, my everything… I don’t know how to move on from this. We were planning the future together, now you’re gone. Life has dealt me the hardest blow.”

Her emotional message has further intensified public empathy, with fans rallying around her, calling for strength and prayers for the Otabor family. Several BBNaija alumni, Nollywood stars, and musicians have also expressed their condolences, highlighting Ruth’s untimely death as a grim reminder of the fragility of life.

The Dangote Group’s response has been met with mixed reactions. While many have praised the conglomerate for promptly taking responsibility, offering financial support, and attempting to save Ruth’s life, others argue that more must be done to prevent such tragedies in the first place. Nigerians on social media have reignited discussions on the need for Dangote trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles to undergo stricter checks, better driver training, and improved operational safety standards. Hashtags such as #JusticeForRuth, #RoadSafetyNow, and #StandWithPhyna have been trending since the announcement, reflecting the level of public outrage and grief.

Community leaders in Auchi have also weighed in, calling on both the state and federal governments to intervene in road transport safety. According to them, repeated accidents involving heavy trucks, often belonging to large conglomerates, have turned highways into death traps, costing innocent lives that could have been spared. For many residents, Ruth’s passing represents not just the pain of one family but the broader failure of authorities to prioritize citizen safety on the roads.

Meanwhile, the Otabor family is said to be making burial arrangements as friends and well-wishers continue to troop to their residence in Edo State to pay their respects. Traditional leaders, church figures, and community members have been offering words of comfort, urging the family to remain strong during what they described as an “irreplaceable loss.” Reports suggest that Dangote Group has pledged to continue supporting the family, both morally and financially, in the coming days.

The tragedy comes at a time when Phyna had been enjoying the peak of her career following her BBNaija win, with multiple endorsement deals and appearances across Nigeria and abroad. Observers note that the devastating blow of losing her sister may affect her emotionally and professionally for a long time to come. Industry insiders are however optimistic that she will find strength in the overwhelming love and support being shown by fans and colleagues.

As tears continue to flow and condolences pour in, the story of Ruth Otabor is quickly becoming not only a tale of grief but also a rallying point for calls to action on safety, accountability, and the sanctity of human lives. Nigerians are now asking tough questions: How many more lives must be lost before meaningful action is taken? How many more families must be thrown into mourning before reforms are enforced? For many, Ruth’s death must not be in vain but should mark a turning point in the push for safer roads in the country.

For now, one truth remains undeniable: the Otabor family has lost a precious soul, the Nigerian entertainment industry has been thrown into sorrow, and the nation as a whole has been reminded of the unpredictability of life. As the Dangote Group expressed in its statement, “May God grant her mercy and eternal rest.” Indeed, may Ruth’s gentle soul find peace, and may her memory live on as both a source of love to her family and a call for change in Nigeria.