Governor Okpebholo, EDOHIC Clear Medical Bills of Ekpoma Gunshot Victims in Swift, Compassionate Intervention

Kingsley Ohens reporting For Urbanscoopnews

Ekpoma, Edo State – January 2026

In a decisive demonstration of people-centred governance and responsive healthcare delivery, the Edo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo, through the Edo State Health Insurance Commission (EDOHIC), has fully settled the medical bills of victims injured during the Ekpoma civil disorder.

The intervention followed a social media complaint posted on January 15, 2026, via ekpomablog, highlighting the inability of the family of Mr. Osagie Godsent—one of the gunshot victims—to meet additional hospital deposit demands required for his continued treatment.

Acting promptly on the directive of Governor Okpebholo, EDOHIC mobilised an emergency response team, which commenced investigations and paid a verification visit to the hospital on January 16, 2026. The team confirmed the circumstances surrounding the patient’s care and immediately took action to ease the burden on the affected families.

During the visit, EDOHIC ensured that all deposits already paid by Mr. Osagie Godsent’s family were fully refunded and formally assumed complete responsibility for his medical treatment until recovery. In the course of the intervention, the team also identified another gunshot victim, Mr. Onyekwere Chibuzor, who had similarly paid hospital deposits without lodging any public complaint. In keeping with its equity-driven approach, EDOHIC refunded his family’s deposits as well and took over full financial responsibility for his treatment.

Both patients were confirmed to be receiving appropriate and uninterrupted medical care following the intervention.

In an emotional response, Mr. Onyekwere Chibuzor and his family expressed profound gratitude to the Edo State Government, commending Governor Monday Okpebholo for his compassionate leadership and swift action. They offered heartfelt prayers for the governor, describing the intervention as a lifeline at a critical moment.

The families also extended appreciation to the Edo State Health Insurance Commission, led by the Director-General, Dr. Augusta Ikpea-Enaholo, praising the commission’s promptness, professionalism, and humane approach. Special prayers were offered for the EDOHIC team in recognition of their dedication and empathy.

This intervention underscores the Edo State Government’s commitment to responsive governance, social protection, and accessible healthcare for all citizens—particularly in times of crisis. It further reinforces the administration’s resolve to place the welfare, dignity, and health of the people at the centre of public policy and action.