National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has expressed sadness over the death of Ruth Obadon Otabor, a mother of two and student of Auchi Polytechnic, who lost her life after a fatal accident involving a Dangote Cement truck.
In a statement yesterday, NAPS president, Comrade Eshiofune Paul Oghayan, said Dangote Cement Plc through its director of Insurance, Mr. Obashola Alo, had accepted full responsibility for the incident. He assured that the company would provide comprehensive compensation and cover the immediate needs of Ruth’s grieving family.
However, NAPS insisted that “no compensation can replace a life,” warning that the loss of Ruth must mark a turning point in the nationwide demand for accountability on the roads.
“This is not an isolated case,” Comrade Oghayan stated. “Ruth’s death is part of a disturbing pattern where students and ordinary Nigerians pay the price for corporate negligence and government inaction.”
As a mark of solidarity, the student body announced that Ruth’s children will receive full scholarships up to the tertiary level. Auchi Polytechnic will also erect a memorial in her honour to ensure her memory – and the message it carries is never forgotten.
The association has called on the federal government, transport authorities, and private logistics firms to prioritise the safety of Nigerians, especially students, over corporate profits.
“To our students nationwide, we urge calm, discipline, and unity as we channel our grief into action,” Comrade Oghayan said. “Ruth’s memory will remain a rallying cry in our quest for justice and safer roads.”
