The Edo State government has pledged to offset the medical bills of a 22-year-old student, Elizabeth, who has been hospitalised for 11 months after being hit by an unlicensed truck allegedly belonging to Dangote Group.
The intervention came after social media activist, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), raised alarm over Elizabeth’s deteriorating health and mounting hospital bills.
VDM, in a Facebook post on Wednesday, disclosed that the Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Emmanuel Paddy Iyamu, reached out to him and subsequently led a delegation to visit the victim at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital.
“They promised to clear all her hospital bills and join heads with the hospital to get her advanced medical treatment because she is completely paralyzed and can’t breathe from the nose—that is why there is a tube on her throat,” VDM wrote. “I pray God restores all.”
Elizabeth, a final-year student, was reportedly on her way to school to work on her project when a truck rammed into the bus she boarded.
Witnesses said the truck sped off after the collision.
Since the accident, Elizabeth has been bedridden, supported by multiple surgical and medical devices.
During the government official’s visit, she broke down in tears and cried out, “Thank you, Jesus!” after hearing the assurance of financial support.
Commissioner Iyamu, while addressing the hospital staff, praised the doctors and nurses for their dedication to Elizabeth’s care.
“We will liaise with the management so we can have that operation done, the best hospital option. Be assured that you will be able to breathe well again, you will walk again,” he assured.
He further promised that the state government would partner with the hospital to ensure Elizabeth receives the advanced medical attention she requires.
VDM commended the commissioner’s swift response but called on Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo, to address what he described as the “recurring menace of Dangote trucks” on Nigerian roads.
He recalled that Elizabeth was initially admitted alongside the sister of BBNaija reality star, Phyna, who was also a victim of a truck accident.
Following a social media outcry, Dangote Group facilitated the transfer of Phyna’s sister to a higher medical facility, leaving Elizabeth at Irrua Specialist Hospital with an estimated ₦5 million debt hanging over her family.
“This is not an isolated case. Many students and innocent citizens have been victims of these trucks. The government needs to hold Dangote Group accountable,” VDM insisted.
VDM has consistently campaigned against the operations of Dangote Group’s truck drivers, alleging that their recklessness has caused numerous fatalities and life-altering injuries, particularly among young people.
