Easter Sunday turned into a day of both immense courage and deep sorrow in Edo State, as Mr. Ehigie, a devoted woodworker and hunter from Udo-Eguare, made the ultimate sacrifice while attempting to rescue victims from the hands of armed kidnappers.
While working in the forest, Ehigie unexpectedly encountered a group of armed men holding several innocent citizens hostage. Acting with rare bravery, he fired a warning shot that startled the kidnappers and provided a window of escape for the captives. With remarkable courage and quick thinking, he guided eight people through a known path to safety, ensuring their freedom.
Sadly, his heroic act came at a great personal cost. The kidnappers, enraged by the escape, regrouped and launched a vicious attack. When their gunfire failed, they resorted to brutal force, using big wood to overpower him, and killing Ehigie in cold blood.
In a further act of terror, the criminals later blocked the Ugbenin/Udo Road in a failed attempt to abduct more travelers, injuring two persons who are now receiving medical care. Thankfully, the hostages Ehigie rescued have been reunited with their loved ones.
Ehigie died a hero, selflessly putting the lives of others before his own. He leaves behind a grieving wife and three young children who now face life without their husband and father.
We urgently call on the Edo State Government to honor this gallant son of the soil. Proper and prompt compensation should be given to his widow and children. His sacrifice must not go unnoticed. He gave his life to rescue others..
©Rita Ebiuwa
