Accident: Oshiomhole doles out N15m to wounded journalists, drivers

BENIN—GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has splashed the sum of N15 million on some journalists and drivers who are still facing different health challenges following the accident involving his convoy on Auchi-Afuze Road, Warrake, in Edo State on April 28, 2012, which led to the death of three journalists.
In addition to the money given to them, the governor who expressed shock at the condition of the victims, directed the state Ministry of Heath to immediately evaluate the condition of the victims, saying, “If it is something doctors cannot handle here in Nigeria, we can fly them abroad for proper treatment because I believe you people can still walk properly.”
Four of the victims have challenges with their legs while three others are facing different challenges. The governor spoke when the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, in the state, led by its chairman, Rowland Osakwe, led the victims to the governor on the request of the governor.
It will be recalled that the victims were admitted at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, UBTH, at the expense of the state government. But it was discovered that some of them have serious challenges with their legs apparently due to improper treatment.
Oshiomhole, who personally accessed the victims, said, “From what I have seen, UBTH did not do a good job. Why would they be discharge when they are not yet okay? I thought these my friends were okay and walking all these years but never knew that they are still suffering. If the hospital doesn’t have good orthopaedic doctors, I think the best thing would have been to inform us so we can look for alternative.”