By Edward Oseghe
The Edo State Health Insurance Commission (EDOHIC) has stepped in to provide urgent medical support for victims of the recent Ekpoma civil disturbance, taking over the treatment of gunshot victims after a social media appeal drew public attention to their plight.
The intervention followed a post on @ekpomablog on Thursday, January 15, 2026, in which a family member of one of the victims, Mr. Osagie Godsent, lamented their inability to meet additional hospital deposit demands. Mr. Godsent had sustained a gunshot injury during the Ekpoma unrest and was receiving treatment at a private healthcare facility.
Touched by the family’s situation and acting in line with the people-oriented healthcare policy of Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Director-General of EDOHIC, Dr. (Mrs.) Augusta Ikpea-Enaholo, immediately ordered an urgent response and engagement with the affected family.
EDOHIC’s Public Relations unit swiftly contacted the family through their representative, Ms. Efe Abraham, to verify the patient’s identity, confirm the hospital handling the case and document payments already made for treatment. The information was forwarded for immediate operational action.
On Friday, January 16, a team from the Commission led by the Regional Supervisor, Mr. Percy Oseghale Okuofo, visited the hospital to assess the situation firsthand. The team met with hospital management, reviewed the medical status of the patient and confirmed that Mr. Godsent’s family had already made several deposits before facing further financial pressure. Following the verification, EDOHIC facilitated a refund of all deposits paid by the family and officially assumed responsibility for the full cost of Mr. Godsent’s medical care.
During the visit, the team also identified another gunshot victim from the Ekpoma disturbance, Mr. Onyekwere Chibuzor, receiving treatment at the same facility. Although no complaint had been made on his behalf, EDOHIC extended the same support after verification. Deposits paid by his family were refunded, and the Commission took over all medical expenses related to his treatment.
Beyond financial intervention, the Commission ensured that both patients were receiving adequate and continuous medical attention. EDOHIC officials engaged attending medical personnel to guarantee that clinical standards and quality of care were maintained.
The Ekpoma intervention highlights EDOHIC’s responsiveness to public concerns and its commitment to compassionate, people-centred healthcare delivery. It also reflects Governor Monday Okpebholo’s directive that no resident of Edo State should be denied access to quality healthcare because of financial constraints, particularly in emergency situations.
