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BREAKING: BBNaija Star Phyna Loses Sister Ruth Otabor After Dangote Truck Accident
By DocuNews Central
Tragedy has struck the family of Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner, Ijeoma Josephina Otabor, better known as Phyna. Her younger sister, Ruth Otabor, has died.
The sad news was made public on Sunday, August 31, 2025. A statement from the family confirmed that Ruth passed away after suffering from injuries in a truck accident earlier in the month.
The truck, said to belong to the Dangote Group, hit Ruth in Auchi, Edo State. The impact crushed her leg. She was rushed to hospital. Doctors battled to save her. But on August 31, around 6:30 a.m., she breathed her last.
The First Reports
At first, the news of the crash spread on social media. Witnesses said a large truck failed to stop near Auchi Polytechnic on August 13. In the chaos, Ruth was hit. Eyewitnesses shouted. Some rushed to help.
A student who gave his name as Peter said:
“We all ran out. People were crying. It was too much. The truck was big. She was just there on the ground.”
The scene shocked many. Videos began to spread online. Some showed people screaming and trying to carry Ruth. Her leg was badly damaged.
She was taken to the hospital for urgent care.
Phyna’s Silence and Pain
At first, Phyna did not speak much about the incident. Friends close to her said she was in shock.
Phyna had become famous in 2022 after winning Big Brother Naija Level Up. She gained fans for her bold voice and her belief in herself. Now, the same young woman who once made millions smile was dealing with tears.
A family friend told DocuNews Central:
“Phyna is not herself. She is broken. It is hard for her to talk. Ruth was very close to her. This is a heavy loss.”
Hospital Struggles
Doctors tried to save Ruth’s life. Her leg was amputated after the crash. There were reports she was in and out of consciousness.
One nurse said quietly:
“She was strong. She wanted to live. But the injuries were too much. She had lost too much blood.”
For over two weeks, Ruth fought to stay alive. Her family prayed. Fans of Phyna also prayed for recovery. Social media users kept asking for updates.
But on August 31, the family released a statement through their lawyers. It was brief and heavy. It confirmed the worst fears.
The Official Family Statement
The law firm, Eko Solicitors & Advocates, acting on behalf of the Otabor family, wrote:
“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Miss Ruth Otabor, sister of Miss Ijeoma Josephina Otabor, popularly known as Phyna. Ruth was involved in a fatal accident with a Dangote truck on August 13. She passed away on August 31, 2025, at around 6:30 a.m. May her soul rest in peace.”
The message was later posted on Phyna’s Instagram page.
Fans flooded the comment section with words of comfort.
Fans React
Across Nigeria and beyond, the news hit fans of Phyna hard. Many of them remembered how often Phyna spoke about her family and her struggles.
One fan wrote:
“Phyna gave us joy when she won BBNaija. Now she is in pain. May God console her. Rest well Ruth.”
Another fan posted:
“No one deserves this. This is sad. Dangote Group must speak. Something must be done about these trucks.”
By Sunday night, Phyna’s name was trending on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
Dangote Group Under Fire
This tragedy has again put the Dangote Group in the spotlight. Dangote trucks are often in the news for road accidents across Nigeria.
Road safety experts say poor maintenance, reckless drivers, and overloaded trucks are some of the causes.
In this case, the family and the public are asking questions. Why did this happen? Was the driver reckless? Could the accident have been avoided?
Till now, Dangote Group has not issued a detailed public statement on Ruth’s death.
A Pattern of Crashes
Over the years, Nigerians have raised alarm about accidents involving Dangote trucks. Reports from road safety agencies show that dozens of lives have been lost.
In 2018, several students died when a Dangote truck lost control in Ogun State. In 2020, another crash in Kogi killed many.
Now, Ruth Otabor’s name is sadly added to the list of victims.
A rights activist, Jake Epelle, told DocuNews Central:
“This is a national problem. Dangote trucks are killing people. Government must take action. We cannot keep quiet. Phyna’s family deserves justice.”
Calls for Justice
Many Nigerians are calling for justice for Ruth. Some want the Dangote Group to take responsibility. Others want stricter traffic rules.
A student union leader in Auchi said:
“We are tired. Every year, these big trucks crush people. Ruth is just one more victim. We need change now.”
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said investigations are ongoing. They promised to check the truck and question the driver.
Phyna’s Journey
This tragedy has also reminded people of who Phyna is.
She grew up in Edo State. Life was not easy. She worked hard, sold things, and pushed herself through school.
In 2022, she entered Big Brother Naija Level Up. Her energy, her slang, and her bold spirit made her stand out. She won the prize money and fame.
But Phyna has often spoken about the struggles of fame. Now, with her sister gone, her journey has taken a painful turn.
A Family in Mourning
For the Otabor family, this is a dark moment. Ruth was described as humble and kind. She was said to be close to her siblings.
One neighbor said:
“She was a quiet girl. Always polite. We are sad. This is too much for the family.”
The funeral plans are yet to be made public. The family has asked for prayers and privacy.
The Human Side of the Story
Behind the headlines, this is about human loss. A young woman with dreams is gone. A sister, a daughter, a friend — her life was cut short.
Every day, many Nigerians lose loved ones to road crashes. Families are left with sorrow. The story of Ruth reminds us of this painful reality.
Why This Matters
The death of Ruth Otabor is not just about one family. It is about road safety. It is about corporate responsibility. It is about how lives can be cut short on Nigerian roads.
Experts say more must be done. Trucks must be checked. Drivers must be trained. Laws must be enforced.
Without change, more lives will be lost.
Conclusion
The death of Ruth Otabor is a tragedy that has shaken Nigeria. From Edo State to Lagos, from fans of BBNaija to ordinary citizens, people are mourning.
Her story has once again raised questions about safety and justice. For Phyna and her family, this is a deep wound.
For the nation, it is another reminder that something must change.
As the sun sets on August 31, the memory of Ruth lingers. A young woman gone too soon.
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