The family of Mr. Peter Guobadia, a 53-year-old US deportee found wandering along Airport Road, Benin City in severe mental distress, has appreciated the Edo State Government and Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, for their swift life-saving intervention.
Mr. Guobadia was rescued by officials of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development following the directive of the Commissioner and was immediately admitted to the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Uselu, where he has been receiving treatment.
Speaking during a visit to the Commissioner, the victim’s maternal uncle, Mr. Charles Imarhiagbe, said the family had searched tirelessly for Peter after learning that he had been deported to Nigeria, but all efforts to locate him proved unsuccessful until they saw media reports about his rescue by the ministry.
According to him, Peter was initially unable to recognize him due to his mental condition, having left Nigeria at a very young age. However, after careful interaction and questioning, he was able to mention the names of some family members, including his uncle, thereby confirming his identity.
The biological mother of the rescued deportee, Mrs. Efe Osunde, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Hon. Eugenia Abdallah for her compassion, prompt response, and commitment to the welfare of vulnerable persons. She also appreciated the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for providing purposeful leadership and creating an enabling environment that allows the ministry to effectively discharge its humanitarian responsibilities.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Mrs. Osunde offered prayers for God to continually bless the Governor, the Commissioner, and every official involved in ensuring her son received timely medical attention and care.
Responding, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, reiterated that protecting vulnerable persons remains a core mandate of the ministry. She explained that immediately she received reports of Mr. Guobadia’s condition, she directed the Rehabilitation Services Department to rescue him and ensure that he received urgent medical attention.
Hon. Abdallah disclosed that the ministry took full responsibility for Mr. Guobadia’s medical expenses and expressed satisfaction with reports indicating that he is responding positively to treatment.
The Commissioner emphasized that the administration of Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo remains committed to promoting the welfare, dignity, and protection of all citizens, particularly vulnerable groups who require government support and intervention.
She also commended the dedication and professionalism of officers of the Rehabilitation Services Department, Mrs. Esther Eruanga and Mr. Ewere Friday Samuel whose prompt and compassionate handling of the case contributed significantly to the successful rescue and ongoing recovery of Mr. Guobadia.
The visit by the family underscores growing public confidence in the Edo State Government’s commitment to social welfare and responsive governance, as demonstrated through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development’s timely intervention in restoring hope to a distressed citizen and reuniting him with his family.
