The Dangote Group has officially confirmed that one of its trucks was involved in a serious road accident in Auchi, Edo State, which resulted in life-changing injuries to a young Nigerian graduate, Mrs. Ruth Otabor. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, has led to public outrage and calls for justice, with a spotlight on the company's road safety practices.
Mrs. Otabor, a recent graduate of Auchi Polytechnic, had her leg amputated due to the severity of the accident. Reports indicate that the motorcycle she was a passenger on was hit by a Dangote truck. The tragic event gained widespread attention after her sister, Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner, Phyna, used her social media platform to demand accountability and justice for her sister. Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw has also joined the call for action.
In a statement released on Thursday, Dangote Group expressed its commitment to supporting the victim. "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 the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital," the statement read.
The company has pledged to provide comprehensive medical care and appropriate compensation for Mrs. Otabor, in line with its corporate welfare policy.
The incident has reignited a critical conversation about road safety in Nigeria. According to a 2024 report by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dangote trucks were linked to the highest number of casualties among fleet operators in Nigeria during the first quarter of the year. The report cited 65 casualties, followed by the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) with 27. The FRSC attributes a significant number of these accidents to factors like speeding, brake failure, and human error, and has called for stricter regulations and maintenance checks.
While the Dangote Group has taken a public stance of support for the victim, the family's quest for justice is ongoing. The driver, who is alleged to be underage and unlicensed, has been charged to court and pleaded guilty to some of the counts against him. The case has been adjourned, and the public continues to monitor the situation closely, demanding transparency and a just resolution for Mrs. Otabor.
