Reality TV star Mercy Eke has reacted to the death of Ruth Otabor, younger sister of Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner Phyna.
The 34-year-old expressed sadness over the tragic loss on Instagram on Sunday, stressing that the situation could have been different if timely intervention had been provided.
She wrote, “My deepest sympathies go out to @unusualphyna and the Otabor family. No one should ever have to go through something like this. This is not a matter @AlikoDangote or @DangoteGroup should remain silent on.
“A young, promising lady’s life is at stake, she should have already been airlifted to a better medical facility, whether in Nigeria or abroad, just as any of us would do for our own family members if the situation were reversed.
“@alikodangote sir, I humbly appeal to you to step in for the sake of God and humanity. The Otabor family cannot carry this burden alone. This young champion needs every possible resource and support to fight for her life.”
She added: “I only wish Dangote Group had listened and embraced Ruth as their own, had they acted swiftly with compassion, who knows what could have been?”
Ruth, a recent graduate, died on Sunday morning after battling injuries from an accident involving a truck linked to Dangote Group on August 13. She had undergone leg amputation and was awaiting medical evacuation abroad.
Phyna confirmed the death in a statement released by her family’s lawyers. She had earlier called out Dangote Group for alleged negligence and pleaded for urgent medical help for her sister.
Dangote Group in its own statement said it was already supporting Ruth’s treatment and had made arrangements to fly her to India before she died.
The company also expressed condolences to the Otabor family.
