Edo council boss redeems N20m pledge to soldier’s family

BENIN CITY — The Chairman of Etsako East Local Government Area and Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Edo State, Hon. Sunny Ekpeson, has redeemed his N20 million pledge to the family of late Lance Corporal Fahad Sani of the 195 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Agenebode.

Sani died on July 2, 2026, following a road accident along the Okpella Highway while returning from a rescue operation.

The late soldier and his colleagues had reportedly responded to a distress call involving kidnapped victims in the bushes of Okpella and successfully rescued them.

However, tragedy struck on their return when a speeding trailer reportedly rammed into the vehicle conveying the soldiers.

Following the incident, Ekpeson, who was then Acting Chairman of Etsako East LGA, visited the bereaved family and pledged N20 million to support Sani’s wife and their two young children.

He redeemed the pledge at a presentation ceremony attended by members of the deceased’s family and personnel of the 195 Battalion, led by its Commanding Officer, Major S.D. Balafama.

Balafama commended Ekpeson for fulfilling his promise, describing the gesture as a source of encouragement to the bereaved family and the battalion.

He said the support demonstrated that the sacrifice of Sani and other personnel serving the country was recognised.

The Commanding Officer also appreciated Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for what he described as his continued support for security agencies and families of fallen personnel.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ekpeson said honouring fallen heroes should go beyond words, stressing that personnel who risked their lives to protect citizens should not be forgotten after their death.

He said the N20 million package was structured to provide long-term support for the family.

According to him, part of the money would enable the deceased’s wife to establish a sustainable business, while N10 million would be placed in a fixed deposit account to support the education and future needs of their two children.

“The gesture is intended to ensure that the sacrifice made by the late soldier in the service of the nation will continue to have a positive impact on his family,” Ekpeson said.