The family of Mr Peter Guobadia, a 53-year-old deportee from the United States, has commended the Edo Government for rescuing him and providing medical support during his ongoing recovery from mental distress.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Eugenia Abdallah, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday during the family’s courtesy visit.
Abdallah said the intervention demonstrated the importance of timely government response in rescuing vulnerable persons found in distress and reconnecting them with their families and support networks nationwide.
She said the ministry would continue to strengthen support systems for vulnerable persons, especially those without adequate family care, to ensure protection, rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society.
The commissioner urged residents to promptly report cases involving vulnerable persons, emphasising that early intervention was crucial to improving recovery outcomes and preventing further deterioration of their conditions.
She commended officers of the Rehabilitation Services Department, healthcare workers at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Uselu, and other stakeholders for their contributions to the successful intervention and recovery.
Guobadia’s maternal uncle, Mr Charles Imarhiagbe, said the family searched for him after learning of his deportation to Nigeria but could not locate him for months.
He said Guobadia initially could not recognise him because he left Nigeria at a very young age and was experiencing mental distress, but later identified relatives.
Imarhiagbe expressed appreciation to the Edo Government and the ministry for their prompt response and efforts that led to the reunion with family members.
Guobadia’s mother, Mrs Efe Osunde, thanked the state government for rescuing her son, paying his medical bills and ensuring he received treatment throughout his recovery period.
She also appreciated Gov. Monday Okpebholo and Abdallah for the support provided to the family during the rescue, treatment and reunification process involving her son.
A Social Welfare Officer, Mr Ewere Samuel, called for increased public awareness and stronger community support to improve the rehabilitation and reintegration of vulnerable persons across communities.
A Senior Social Welfare Officer in the ministry, Mrs Esther Eruanga, said the case came to the ministry’s attention through media reports, prompting immediate rescue efforts.
She said Guobadia was found wandering along Airport Road in Benin City while experiencing severe mental distress and was subsequently referred for specialised medical and psychiatric care.
Eruanga said doctors at the hospital indicated that Guobadia was responding well to treatment and could be discharged in about one month if recovery remained steady.
She said medical personnel advised the family to remain patient with him after discharge, as his behaviour might not immediately return to normal.
Eruanga urged the family to support his recovery with love and care, and ensure he was not stigmatised or abandoned after discharge.
NAN reports that the development highlights the Edo Government’s efforts, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, to provide timely interventions and support for vulnerable persons.
