The world was struck with heartbreaking news when Ruth Otabor, sister of BBNaija Season 7 winner Phyna, tragically passed away on August 31, 2025. Ruth, just 22 years old, was involved in a tragic accident involving a Dangote truck, near Auchi Polytechnic in Edo State, leaving her with injuries so severe that her leg had to be amputated. Her death, just weeks after completing her studies, has left her family, friends, and fans devastated.
What Happened to Ruth Otabor?
On August 13, Ruth was struck by a cement truck belonging to the Dangote Group, as she was near Auchi Polytechnic. Eyewitnesses reported that the impact of the truck crushed her leg, and she was left in critical condition. Despite the amputation, Ruth’s health continued to deteriorate, and she passed away less than two weeks later. The tragedy has left Phyna, a public figure known for her vivacious personality on BBNaija, in an emotionally complex place, grieving her loss while navigating the intense public scrutiny surrounding the incident.
Ruth’s death occurred only days after her graduation from Auchi Polytechnic, a pivotal moment in her life that was tragically overshadowed by the accident. The timing of the incident—right after she was on the cusp of new beginnings—has compounded the family’s pain. To make matters worse, Phyna’s outrage was fueled by the disturbing news that photographs of her sister’s injuries had been shared online by staff members of Dangote Group, further exacerbating the family’s distress.
Ruth Otabor: Quick Bio
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Ruth Otabor |
| Date of Birth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Date of Death | August 31, 2025 |
| Cause of Death | Injuries from a Dangote truck accident |
| Graduation | Graduated from Auchi Polytechnic, August 2025 |
| Surviving Family | Sister – Phyna (BBNaija winner) |
| Role | Student, sister, and aspiring professional |
| Place of Incident | Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State |
| Tributes | Widely mourned by fans, celebrities, and Nigerians |
Phyna’s Outrage and Demand for Justice
Phyna, known for her outspokenness, has called for justice following her sister’s death. The incident has sparked anger not only within her family but across the nation. She accused the Dangote Group of negligence and has demanded accountability for the role their truck played in her sister’s passing. What makes this tragedy even more painful is the insensitive circulation of Ruth’s photos while she was fighting for her life.
In response, Dangote Group acknowledged their responsibility, offering to pay for Ruth’s medical treatment, which had included plans for her to be flown abroad for further care. However, Ruth’s death has left a sense of unresolved grief, as Phyna continues to voice her frustration over the company’s handling of the matter.
The Emotional Toll on Phyna
Phyna’s social media platforms, including Instagram, have been flooded with messages of support from her fans, fellow celebrities, and the general public. Yet, amidst the flood of condolences, there’s an undeniable call for justice that Phyna has taken upon herself to champion. Her outcry represents not just her loss but the collective pain many Nigerians feel about the state of road safety and corporate responsibility.
Phyna’s words speak volumes about her determination to keep her sister’s memory alive and ensure that Ruth’s death wasn’t in vain. In her Instagram post, she shared how hard it has been to cope with the sudden loss. “The world keeps turning, but my heart is in pieces,” she expressed, a sentiment shared by anyone who’s ever lost a loved one so suddenly.
Ruth’s Legacy: Beyond the Tragedy
It’s important to remember Ruth for more than just the circumstances of her death. Ruth had just graduated, a young woman with ambitions and dreams. She had a promising future ahead of her, and her life, though tragically short, deserves to be celebrated. Ruth had a love for life, and that is how her family, particularly Phyna, will remember her. The pain of losing Ruth is compounded by the fact that she was about to begin a new chapter in her life, one that many of us can relate to: the excitement of life after graduation, the anticipation of what comes next.
While Phyna has been vocal about her grief, Ruth’s passing has sparked broader conversations about road safety in Nigeria. Many have used Ruth’s story to highlight the risks posed by negligent driving and the importance of stricter regulations around truck and commercial vehicle safety.
The Family’s Request for Privacy
The Otabor family has requested privacy as they deal with this tragedy. Grief, in the public eye, can be especially challenging, and Phyna has shared how overwhelming it has been to not only deal with her sister’s death but to also face constant media attention. The family, while grateful for the support, has asked for a moment of solitude to grieve and heal, away from the public gaze.
In the coming days, the family will share funeral arrangements, but for now, their priority is mourning Ruth’s loss and honoring her memory.
Ruth’s death is an undeniable tragedy that casts a long shadow over Phyna’s journey as a public figure. It brings to light the vulnerability of life, the importance of family, and the need for stronger corporate responsibility and road safety measures. As Phyna continues her fight for justice, it’s clear that Ruth’s legacy will inspire change and remind us all of the fragile nature of time.
