By Ozioruva Aliu
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 a N20 million pledge to the family of late Lance Corporal Fahad Sani of the 195 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Agenebode.
The late Sani died on July 2, 2026, after a fatal road accident along the Okpella Highway while returning from a successful rescue operation.
He 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.
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 yesterday at a presentation ceremony attended by the family and 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 and the support demonstrated that the sacrifice of the late soldier and other personnel serving the nation was recognised.
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. 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 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.”
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