The Edo State government has brought back home an indigene of the state, Godstime Uwoghiren, who was allegedly poisoned in Burkina Faso after purchasing a motorcycle.
Uwoghiren, who has been suffering from the health crisis for about three years, was rescued following the intervention of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
His case was first reported to the Nigerian Embassy in Burkina Faso about four months ago, after which the Edo State Migration Agency began efforts to secure his return. The Director General of the agency, Lucky Agazumah, confirmed that the governor directed immediate action to save the young man’s life.
Uwoghiren arrived at Benin Airport on Wednesday afternoon aboard a plane that also carried officials of the agency. He was brought out of the aircraft on a wheelchair in a weak condition and quickly taken by ambulance to the Edo Specialist Hospital for urgent medical care.
Officials explained that the poisoning was allegedly carried out by friends who became jealous after Uwoghiren bought a motorcycle. Despite attempts by some relatives to obstruct the process, the state government pressed ahead with his evacuation to ensure he did not die in a foreign land.
Uwoghiren’s mother, Susan, disclosed that her son had learnt mechanics before leaving Nigeria for Burkina Faso. The government has warned residents against falling victim to deceptive promises abroad, noting that many are often lured into exploitation and hardship.