Dangote Truck Accident: Company Pledges Support for Phyna’s Sister After Leg Amputation in Auchi
Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria – Dangote Cement Plc has pledged comprehensive support for Ruth Otabor, sister of Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner Phyna, following a tragic Dangote truck accident in Auchi, Edo State, that resulted in the amputation of her leg.
The accident occurred on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, just six days after Ms. Otabor celebrated her graduation from Auchi Polytechnic. According to eyewitness accounts, a heavy-duty cement truck belonging to Dangote Cement allegedly ran over the victim’s leg before being stopped by a bystander.
TJ News Nigeria reports that the incident has sparked public outrage, with Phyna taking to social media to demand justice and transparency over the circumstances surrounding the accident.
How the Dangote Truck Accident Happened
Eyewitnesses said the truck driver was allegedly attempting to manoeuvre through a busy section of Auchi when the accident occurred. It remains unclear whether Ms. Otabor was a pedestrian or inside a vehicle at the time.
In a live Instagram session, Phyna narrated that the truck crushed her sister’s leg, causing severe injuries that led to an emergency amputation.
“She had just graduated from Auchi Polytechnic. Now she has to face life with one leg because of a Dangote truck accident. The driver tried to escape, but people caught him,” Phyna stated.
According to local sources, the driver was handed over to law enforcement authorities for investigation.
Immediate Medical Response
After the Dangote truck accident, Ms. Otabor was rushed to Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital in Edo State. Medical officials confirmed that her injuries were too severe to save the leg.
Family members said she was in shock but conscious during the emergency surgery. Supporters, including fans of Phyna, flooded social media with messages of solidarity and calls for corporate accountability.
Dangote Cement’s Official Statement
In a statement released Thursday on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, Dangote Group acknowledged the accident and confirmed that senior officials from Dangote Cement Plc, alongside the company’s insurers, visited the victim and her family at the hospital.
“Following the recent road accident in Auchi, Edo State, involving one of our trucks, which sadly resulted in injury to Mrs. Ruth Otabor, senior officials from Dangote Cement Plc, together with our Insurance team, promptly visited the scene, engaged with law enforcement authorities, and visited the victim and her family at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital,” the company said.
Dangote Cement also pledged to:
- Provide comprehensive medical care for the victim
- Offer appropriate compensation in line with the company’s welfare policy
- Maintain ongoing communication with the family until recovery is complete
The statement further noted:
“Our thoughts remain with Ruth Otabor and her loved ones, and we wish her a full and speedy recovery.”
Public Reaction to the Dangote Truck Accident
The Dangote truck accident has stirred intense discussion online. Many Nigerians have called for stricter regulations on heavy-duty trucks, citing similar incidents involving large corporate vehicles.
Hashtags such as #DangoteTruckAccident, #JusticeForRuth, and #HoldCorporatesAccountable have been trending on X and Instagram since the news broke.
Civil society groups have urged the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and state transport authorities to investigate whether the driver was properly licensed, and to assess the safety compliance of Dangote’s logistics operations.
Road Safety Concerns in Nigeria
Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that heavy-duty vehicles, including cement and petroleum tankers, are involved in a significant number of fatal road accidents each year.
Common causes include:
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Over-speeding
- Driver fatigue
- Overloading
Advocates argue that the Dangote truck accident is a reminder of the urgent need for:
- Mandatory speed limiters on heavy-duty vehicles
- Comprehensive driver training and certification
- Regular mechanical inspections
- Accountability measures for corporate fleet operators
Phyna’s Emotional Response
Phyna, whose real name is Ijeoma Josephina Otabor, has been using her platform to demand justice and immediate corporate accountability. She described the accident as a “life-changing tragedy” for her younger sister, who had only just begun her professional life after graduating.
“She was supposed to be celebrating a new chapter in her life. Now she’s in the hospital learning how to live without a leg,” Phyna said.
She also questioned why large companies like Dangote Cement do not have stronger preventive measures to avoid such accidents.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Public Perception
Dangote Cement, Africa’s largest cement producer, has a long-standing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme that includes community development, education, and health initiatives. However, incidents like the Dangote truck accident risk damaging public trust if not handled transparently and empathetically.
Public relations experts have advised the company to:
- Maintain open communication with the victim’s family and the public
- Publicly outline preventive measures to avoid future accidents
- Conduct independent safety audits of its trucking fleet
Legal Implications
Under Nigerian law, victims of road accidents involving corporate vehicles are entitled to seek damages through civil litigation. If investigations reveal negligence, the company could face additional legal and financial liabilities.
Lawyers note that in cases like the Dangote truck accident, evidence such as CCTV footage, eyewitness statements, and police reports will be critical in determining liability.
Victim’s Recovery and Next Steps
Sources close to the family say Ms. Otabor remains in hospital under close medical supervision. Rehabilitation, including physiotherapy and possible prosthetic fitting, will be part of her long-term recovery plan.
Dangote Cement has reportedly begun processing insurance and compensation claims, though the timeline for disbursement remains unclear.
Wider Impact on Trucking Regulations
The Dangote truck accident could reignite national debate on heavy vehicle regulation. Legislators in the National Assembly have in the past proposed bills to limit the movement of heavy trucks to night hours on certain routes, but such measures have faced industry resistance.
Safety campaigners are urging the government to:
- Enforce stricter penalties for corporate fleet violations
- Introduce digital monitoring systems for truck movement
- Require periodic re-certification for heavy truck drivers
Community Support for the Otabor Family
Local residents in Auchi have rallied around the Otabor family. Community leaders have visited the hospital to offer moral and financial support, while youth groups have called for peaceful advocacy to ensure justice is served.
Key Facts About the Dangote Truck Accident in Auchi
- Date of Incident: August 13, 2025
- Location: Auchi, Edo State
- Victim: Mrs. Ruth Otabor, sister of reality star Phyna
- Injury: Leg amputation
- Cause: Collision with Dangote Cement truck
- Company Response: Medical care, compensation, and investigation
What you should know
The Dangote truck accident in Auchi is more than just a tragic incident; it is a reflection of broader issues in Nigeria’s road safety management and corporate accountability culture. While Dangote Cement’s swift response is commendable, the real measure will be in long-term support for the victim and systemic changes to prevent similar tragedies.
Public pressure, legal action, and regulatory reform may ultimately shape how incidents like this are addressed in the future, ensuring that victims receive justice and that companies uphold the highest safety standards.
