Through the Edo State Migration Agency, Governor Monday Okpebholo successfully orchestrated the rescue of Godstime Uwoghiren, who had been reportedly poisoned while in Burkina Faso.
Godstime’s health had been deteriorating after allegedly being poisoned by acquaintances in Burkina Faso, where he had been residing.
Following a report from the Nigerian Embassy, Governor Okpebholo took swift action to ensure Godstime’s safe return to Nigeria.
Lucky Agazumah, the director-general of the agency, revealed that the distressing information about Godstime’s condition was received four months prior, prompting immediate intervention by the governor.
Investigations uncovered that Godstime’s poisoning was motivated by envy from his friends, triggered by his recent purchase of a motorcycle.
Agazumah emphasized that Governor Okpebholo’s commitment extends beyond infrastructural development to prioritizing the wellbeing of Edo citizens, no matter their location.
He also warned Edo residents to be cautious during the festive season, advising them not to fall prey to deceptive promises of prosperity abroad, often propagated by Nigerians living under false pretenses.
“We owe gratitude to Governor Monday Okpebholo for demonstrating true compassion. We were informed that Godstime had become paralyzed after being poisoned out of jealousy over his motorcycle purchase,” Agazumah stated.
“Despite resistance from one of his sisters who attempted to hinder our rescue efforts over the past four months, we persevered and successfully facilitated his return to Edo State,” he added.
Agazumah further disclosed that the family initially opposed the rescue, with his parents expressing frustration that Godstime had not sent money to support their farming activities. “Had Governor Okpebholo not intervened, this young man’s plight might have gone unnoticed, potentially costing him his life,” he remarked.
Godstime’s mother, Susan, shared that before his journey to Burkina Faso, her son had developed a habit of driving under the influence.
“He once called to inform us that he had met a friend in Benin and planned to travel to Burkina Faso. Despite our efforts to dissuade him, he went ahead. We lost contact until months later when we learned he had been poisoned and abandoned,” she recounted.
Overwhelmed with relief, Susan expressed her heartfelt thanks to Governor Okpebholo and the Migration Agency for their role in bringing her son home. Godstime arrived at Benin Airport in a wheelchair and was promptly transported by ambulance to a hospital for urgent medical care.
