Benin City — The Edo State Government has successfully repatriated Godstime Uwoghiren, a 27-year-old Edo indigene who suffered paralysis and serious ill health after being allegedly poisoned by friends in Burkina Faso. Uwoghiren, who had been incapacitated for over three years, was flown back to Nigeria under orders from Governor Monday Okpebholo.
The Edo State Migration Agency, led by DG Lucky Agazumah, confirmed that information about Uwoghiren’s condition reached the Governor about four months ago, following reports that he was unwell and unable to walk. His plight was linked to jealousy over the purchase of a motorcycle, which friends are said to have bought him, prompting the poisoning allegedly.
His return flight landed at Benin Airport around 1:00 PM. He was accompanied by officials from the Migration Agency and immediately transferred to the Edo Specialist Hospital in Benin for urgent medical attention after being wheeled nearly unconscious. Agazumah said that some family members initially resisted the rescue efforts and even rejected earlier attempts by the agency, but the Governor insisted the mission proceed.
Uwoghiren’s mother, Mrs. Susan Uwoghiren, expressed her relief and gratitude toward Governor Okpebholo for intervening. She revealed that before traveling abroad, Godstime learned automobile mechanics and was eager to better his life. The Governor used the occasion to warn Edo youths against being lured by false promises abroad, highlighting how many Nigerians abroad find themselves in exploitative or dangerous situations.
