The Edo State Health Insurance Commission (EDOHIC) has intervened in the aftermath of the Ekpoma civil disturbance, taking over the medical treatment of gunshot victims following a social media appeal that highlighted their ordeal.

The intervention was triggered by 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 fresh hospital deposit demands. Godsent, who sustained a gunshot injury during the unrest, was receiving treatment at a private healthcare facility.

Moved 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, ordered an immediate response and engagement with the affected family.

The Commission’s Public Relations unit promptly contacted the family through their representative, Ms Efe Abraham, to verify the patient’s identity, confirm the hospital managing the case and document payments already made. The details were forwarded for urgent 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.

The team met with hospital management, reviewed the patient’s medical condition and confirmed that the family had made several deposits before being asked to pay more. Following the verification, EDOHIC facilitated a refund of all deposits paid and officially assumed responsibility for the full cost of Godsent’s treatment.

During the visit, another gunshot victim from the Ekpoma disturbance, Mr Onyekwere Chibuzor, was identified at the same facility. Although no complaint had been lodged on his behalf, the Commission extended similar support after verification, refunding deposits paid by his family and taking over his medical expenses.

EDOHIC also engaged attending medical personnel to ensure both patients continued to receive adequate care in line with required clinical standards.

The intervention, the Commission said, underscores its responsiveness to public concerns and commitment to compassionate, people-centred healthcare delivery, in line with Governor Okpebholo’s directive that no Edo resident should be denied access to quality healthcare due to financial constraints, especially in emergencies.