10/05/2026
DR. IJIKO CELEBRATES MIRACULOUS RECOVERY AFTER SURVIVING LASSA FEVER
Family, friends and well-wishers gathered at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Idyer on Sunday, 10th May , 2026, for a thanksgiving service by Dr. Ijiko Bartholomew Eche after surviving a life-threatening battle with Lassa fever.
The thanksgiving service was followed by a reception at Newcastle Event Centre, where guests celebrated what many described as a miraculous recovery and a second chance at life for Dr. Eche.
Narrating his experience, Dr. Ijiko Bartholomew Eche said his health challenge began on February 13, 2026, with severe fever before he presented himself at Benue State University Teaching Hospital on February 15 where he was admitted at the emergency unit.
He said he was later transferred to the isolation unit after doctors suspected Lassa fever, which was subsequently confirmed, adding that his condition deteriorated daily until it was agreed he should be moved to Jos University Teaching Hospital for dialysis treatment.
According to him, plans were already underway to transfer him to Erua in Edo State after the dialysis machine in Jos failed for two days before doctors later announced to him that the machine had been repaired and was ready for use.
Dr. Eche disclosed that while undergoing dialysis, he became restless and later passed on, with the medical team concluding that he was dead, saying he experienced his spirit leaving his body before hearing his younger brother, Inalegwu, screaming and calling him back to life.
He said he then heard a powerful voice commanding him to return to his body, which he obeyed and about five minutes later, he regained consciousness, blinked his eyes and held his brother’s hand, leaving everyone around shocked at what they described as a miraculous resurrection.
Dr. Eche added that he later walked back to the ward himself and gradually regained strength until he was discharged, appreciating all those who supported him, including his dear wife, through prayers, emotional encouragement and financial assistance during the difficult period.
Also speaking during the reception, Dr. Michael Ejiko, elder brother of Dr. Eche, recalled how the family battled to save their late mother 21 years ago at the Federal Medical Centre, but lost her despite every effort.
He said the painful memory resurfaced when Dr. Eche suddenly became critically ill, adding that the family engaged in intense prayers as he suffered repeated convulsions, oxygen dependency and several blood transfusions during the difficult period.
Mr. Inalegwu Eche, younger brother of Dr. Ijiko, confirmed accompanying his brother and wife from Makurdi to Jos, insisting that Dr. Ijiko truly died during the dialysis process before God restored him back to life like Lazarus in the Bible.
Delivering a sermon on thanksgiving, Pastor Angel Akali, of Dunamis Church North-Bank, described thanksgiving as living by God’s mercies, stressing that the greatest gift from God is life and urging guests to see Dr. Ijiko’s survival as a testimony capable of inspiring millions.
In separate goodwill messages, Dr. Solomon Obekpa, Dr. Emmanuel Ikyoive and Nurse Priscilla Adzo thanked God for preserving Dr. Ijiko’s life, noting that they actively participated throughout his treatment and recovery process.
Benue State University Teaching Hospital