Ngozi Okpala
A mother of four, Faith Okebata, has succumbed to the injuries she sustained after suffering severe burns during an attempt to rescue her mother-in-aw, Catherine, when military men invaded and set houses ablaze in Izombe community, in the Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State.
gathered that during the invasion last Friday, the military men, who were said to be on a revenge mission, attacked residents in the community and set houses on fire.
Faith’s mother-in-law, who was suffering from a stroke, was trapped in the burning building when the 36-year-old entered and rescued her.
The victim, who suffered severe burns on her breasts, face and other parts of her body, was quickly rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, for treatment.
She, however, died a few days after efforts by medical practitioners to rescue her proved abortive.
A source in the community said, “The woman was trying to rescue her mother-in-law who was in the house after the soldiers set it on fire. She succeeded in rescuing her, but got terribly burnt.
“Her breasts, face and other parts of her body were burnt. She couldn’t make it. She left behind four children, including a young husband.”
Faith’s husband, Sunday Okebata, expressed sadness over the incident.
“I feel pained that my wife died while trying to rescue my sick mother. Our country home, including all the property, got burnt as the military set it on fire,” Sunday said.
Precious Chukwuwa
