Nigerians and West Africans everywhere have been moved by the outpouring of emotion surrounding Big Brother Naija season 7 winner, Phyna, after touching footage from her sister Ruth Otabor’s burial surfaced on various social media platforms. The solemn event took place on Saturday, September 13, and quickly garnered sympathy and solidarity from the online community as well as those present at the ceremony.
According to multiple reports, Ruth Otabor, aged 24, tragically lost her life following a road accident involving a Dangote truck near Auchi Polytechnic in Edo State. The accident, which occurred just days after she had completed her graduation at the institution, left family, friends, and well-wishers in shock. She was subsequently laid to rest in Ikorodu, Ogun State—a journey that drew mourners from within and outside her community to pay their last respects.
Emotional video clips have since made rounds online, showing Phyna at Ruth’s side during the final burial rites. Many viewers expressed their own grief as they watched the reality star, clad in a somber black outfit with dark sunglasses, visibly struggling to maintain composure as she said her goodbyes. Family members could be seen encouraging her to pour sand into Ruth’s grave as tradition dictates, a poignant moment that captured the depth of her loss.
Another widely circulated video showed Phyna battling to contain her grief while sitting in a car, her eyes swollen from tears. Clips from the funeral further depicted mourners profoundly impacted, their faces etched with sorrow at the loss of a young life so full of promise.
Credit: unusualphyna
Source: Instagram
Details shared by those familiar with the incident noted that the impact of the crash led to the crushing of Ruth’s leg, which subsequently had to be amputated—a grave consequence that reportedly occurred just six days after her graduation from Auchi Polytechnic. The speed with which tragedy replaced youthful celebration has been especially hard for the family and the wider student community to process.
Scenes of Phyna paying her final respects to her sister have captured the hearts of many. The powerful display of grief, love, and community support underlines the enduring importance of family ties, even in the face of overwhelming tragedy.
Additional clips have shown Phyna attempting to compose herself at the burial site, highlighting the very real pain that many families sadly know all too well in Nigeria and across West Africa, where road accidents remain a significant hazard. According to data from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), thousands of lives are lost each year due to traffic collisions—underscoring both the personal and collective grief such events bring.
A clip of Phyna struggling to hold back the tears at sister’s burial is below:
Comments about Phyna’s sister’s burial
As the videos spread, social media users from Nigeria, Ghana, and the wider African community have used various platforms to send condolences and well-wishes to Phyna and her family. Comments range from messages of sympathy to calls for improved road safety measures, reflecting a blend of personal empathy and social concern. Some of these reactions have been compiled below:
Damson028 said:
“Rip to the dead …but me and u know say u no cry no dey drop those lambs.”
Riluv83Rita said:
“Hmmmm may the gentle soul of Ruth Otabor fine favour in the sight of God Amen.”
Terry1633925 commented:
“Omo the pain is too much ohh nobody deserve this amount of pain at this moment.”
JulietAugu51339 said:
“The lord got you my girl at the end of this dark tunnel there’s light that would never go dim again.”
SharonA03073914 said:
“God’s hand is upon u to give u strength when u re down, it’s well, she has paid her own depth we all will one day, she is in a better place.”
egbeiyon25185 said:
“Dear phyna, it hurts to even see you in this level of grief. I pray our God gives you and the entire Otabor strength to bear this huge loss. Stay strong Phyna God’s gat you and you know it.”
giftkalu55 said:
“Phyna sorry take heart be strong the God almighty will give you the heart to bear it and strengthen your family from this great loss may Ruth soul rest in peace.”
Phyna’s late sister to be immortalised
In recognition of Ruth Otabor’s legacy, the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has expressed its condolences on the passing of one of their own. According to an official statement from the association, shared with the public shortly after the accident, NAPS is working closely with the family to provide support during this difficult period. Notably, the association announced plans to honour Ruth’s memory at Auchi Polytechnic where she recently graduated. This gesture, leaders say, is meant to both console the bereaved family and inspire her peers.
A spokesperson for NAPS emphasized the importance of remembering students like Ruth, stating, “Her dedication and ambition were an inspiration to those around her. As a community, we must support each other in sorrow as well as in achievement.” Initiatives to immortalise Ruth could include scholarships or memorial projects, designed to raise awareness about road safety and encourage students to advocate for improved protection on Nigeria’s roads and campuses.
Nigeria continues to face challenges with road safety infrastructure, and cases like Ruth’s highlight the urgent need for policymakers and transportation authorities to prioritize preventive measures. Nigerian and West African families each year are confronted with the lingering effects of such tragedies, often compounded by gaps in emergency care and insufficient public awareness campaigns.
Meanwhile, Phyna’s high profile as a BBNaija winner means her family’s pain has become a rallying point for both fans and the broader public, sparking important discussions about life, loss, and how communities show support during times of hardship. Experts like Dr. Chinedu Ofor, a Lagos-based psychologist, told local media, “Public figures going through personal grief can help destigmatise open discussions about loss and healing in our society.” His comments echo the sentiment that, while celebrity status brings attention, the emotional journey is one shared by many Nigerians every day.
As the Otabor family navigates this period of grief, many hope that Ruth’s legacy—both as a beloved family member and as a symbol of youthful aspiration—will continue to encourage dialogue and reforms, from campus safety to broader road traffic policy improvements across Nigeria and Africa.
How has this story impacted you, or what lessons do you draw about support, community, and road safety in Nigeria and Africa? Share your views in the comments and stay engaged for more updates.
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