The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has formally reacted with great sorrow to the untimely passing of Miss Ruth Otabor, younger sister of reality TV star, Phyna, who tragically lost her life after sustaining critical injuries in a fatal accident. The crash, which occurred on Monday, August 11, 2025, at about 10:30 a.m., involved a Dangote truck and a commercial motorcycle near the Sports Complex of Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State. Despite medical efforts to save her life, Otabor sadly passed away, leaving her family, friends, and community in grief.
In a condolence message signed by the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, the FRSC extended heartfelt sympathies to the Otabor family, the Auchi Polytechnic Students Union, and the entire Auchi Polytechnic community. The Corps Marshal described the death as not only a personal tragedy for the victim’s family but also a national loss that underscores the pressing need for safer road practices in Nigeria. He prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of Miss Ruth and for strength for the bereaved family to bear the loss.
Following the sad incident, the FRSC emphasized that immediate and proactive measures were taken to address the root causes of such crashes. These steps included convening critical meetings with the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), who expressed deep concerns about the safety of students and commuters. The Corps also intensified collaborations with major fleet operators such as Dangote, BUA, and other heavy-duty transport companies. These collaborations are centered on structured training, strict monitoring, and mandatory recertification programmes for their drivers to ensure higher standards of professionalism and safety compliance.
In its official statement, titled: “FRSC GRIEVES VICTIM OF DANGOTE TRUCK CRASH, RESTATES RESOLVE FOR SAFER ROADS,” the Corps reiterated its firm commitment to creating safer highways for all road users. The statement read in part: “While the Corps has always ensured that the roads are safe for all to use, it is most regrettable that this crash had to occur, and despite all medical efforts, the female victim has now succumbed to her injuries. The Corps Marshal, on behalf of the entire Management and Staff of the Corps, condoles with the family of the deceased, the Students Union, and the Auchi Polytechnic community. He prays for the repose of the soul of the deceased.”
The FRSC stressed that this tragedy serves as a sober reminder of the importance of collective responsibility in preventing road crashes. It pledged to continue strengthening enforcement strategies, raising awareness through public advocacy campaigns, and expanding stakeholder partnerships to minimize accidents. According to the Corps, road safety is not only the duty of enforcement agencies but also a shared obligation of drivers, commuters, transport companies, and the general public.
The statement further noted that the Corps would not relent in its mission to safeguard lives and properties across Nigerian roads. It reaffirmed that, through sustained enforcement, rigorous training programmes, and wider sensitization campaigns, future crashes can be drastically reduced. “This tragic incident will not be in vain, as it has further reawakened the resolve of the FRSC to ensure safer roads across the country,” the Corps emphasized.
Once again, the FRSC extended its deepest condolences to the Otabor family, praying that God grants them comfort in this period of grief. The Corps assured Nigerians that it remains steadfast in its mandate and will continue to put in place sustainable measures to prevent road crashes, ensure accountability for fleet operators, and protect the lives of all road users nationwide.
SIGNED
Olusegun Ogungbemide mni, FISPON, anipr
Assistant Corps Marshal
Corps Public Education Officer
Federal Road Safety Corps Headquarters, Abuja