Amanze ChinonyeRuth Otabor, the younger sister of Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner Ijeoma “Phyna” Otabor, has died from injuries sustained in a truck accident in Auchi, Edo State.
She passed away on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at about 6:30 a.m., just 18 days after the incident involving a Dangote truck left her critically injured and forced doctors to amputate one of her legs.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHer death has triggered an outpouring of grief across the entertainment industry and beyond. Actress Kate Henshaw prayed for strength for the family, BBNaija alumna Wanni expressed her pain over Ruth’s suffering, while media personality Hero Daniels and reality star Daniella Peters sent heartfelt condolences. Fans have also flooded social media with messages of support, calling for stricter road safety measures to prevent similar tragedies.
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The 23-year-old, who had only recently graduated from Auchi Polytechnic, was undergoing treatment with plans to be flown to India for advanced care. Despite medical efforts and family support, she succumbed to her injuries.
The Dangote Group, in a statement issued on Sunday, confirmed the development and expressed deep sorrow, noting that its officials and insurance partners had been covering Ruth’s medical costs and had already secured arrangements for her international treatment.
“Sadly, despite these efforts and Ruth’s brave fight to live, we lost her today,” the company stated, adding that safety, accountability, and compassion remain at the core of its operations.
For Phyna, her family, and many Nigerians, the loss is not just personal but symbolic of the dangers posed by heavy-duty trucks on the country’s highways.
The tragedy has reopened debate about the regulation of haulage vehicles, the effectiveness of existing safety systems, and the urgent reforms needed to protect road users.
Funeral arrangements will be announced by the Otabor family in due course, but for now, the grief remains raw as the nation mourns a young life cut short and confronts again the heavy toll of road accidents involving trucks.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
