By joshua Fallen Hero: Ekpeson Redeems N20m Pledge To Family Of Fallen Soldier
By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin city
The Chairman of Etsako East Local Government Council and Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Edo State, Rt. Hon. Sunny Ekpetika Ekpeson, has fulfilled his N20 million pledge to the family of late Lance Corporal Fahad Sani of the 195 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Agenebode.
The pledge was made following the death of the soldier on July 2, 2026, after a fatal road accident along the Okpella Highway while returning from a successful rescue operation.
Late LCpl. Sani and his colleagues had reportedly responded to a distress call involving kidnapped victims in the bushes of Okpella. The operation successfully rescued the victims, but tragedy struck on their return when a speeding trailer hit the vehicle conveying the soldiers.
Despite efforts by his colleagues to revive him and obtain medical attention at Halimotu Private Hospital and subsequently in Auchi, the soldier died from injuries sustained in the accident.
During a condolence visit to the bereaved family shortly after the incident, Ekpeson, who was then Acting Chairman of Etsako East LGA, pledged N20 million to support the deceased soldier’s wife and two young children.
The Chairman redeemed the pledge in full on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at a presentation ceremony attended by the family and uniformed personnel of the 195 Battalion, led by its Commanding Officer, Major S.D. Balafama.
Balafama commended Ekpeson for fulfilling his promise and described the gesture as a significant source of encouragement to the family and the battalion.
He said the support demonstrated that the sacrifice of the late soldier and other personnel serving the nation was recognised, adding that the gesture would help boost the morale of officers and soldiers engaged in the field.
The Commanding Officer also expressed appreciation to Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his continued support for security agencies and the families of fallen personnel.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ekpeson said true honour for fallen heroes must go beyond words, stressing that officers who risk their lives to protect citizens should not be forgotten after their death.
He explained that the N20 million package had been structured to provide long-term support for the family. According to him, part of the money would enable the late soldier’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 the couple’s two children.
The gesture, he said, was intended to ensure that the sacrifice made by the late soldier in the service of the nation would continue to have a positive impact on his family.
The bereaved family expressed gratitude to Ekpeson and the Etsako East Local Government Council for standing by them during their period of grief and for fulfilling the promise made after the soldier’s death.