The Edo State Government has reunited Mr. Peter Guobadia, a 53-year-old deportee from the United States, with his family after rescuing him in Benin City while he was experiencing severe mental distress.
The intervention included urgent medical and psychiatric care, highlighting the state government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable persons and facilitating their rehabilitation, recovery, and reintegration into society.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah, disclosed this in an interview with reporters on Sunday in Benin City.
Abdallah said the intervention followed Guobadia’s rescue and referral for medical and psychiatric care at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Uselu, where he is currently receiving treatment.
She noted that the case reflects the ministry’s commitment to strengthening response mechanisms for vulnerable persons found in public spaces, ensuring they receive timely care, rehabilitation, and social support.
The commissioner added that the ministry is collaborating with mental health institutions, civil society organisations, and development partners to improve rehabilitation, reintegration services, and access to care for vulnerable persons.
According to her, efforts are being intensified to strengthen outreach programmes and coordination mechanisms across the state for quicker intervention and support for individuals in need.
A Senior Social Welfare Officer in the ministry, Mrs. Esther Eruanga, said the case came to official attention through media reports, which prompted immediate rescue operations along Airport Road in Benin City.
She said preliminary assessments revealed signs of severe mental distress, necessitating urgent clinical evaluation and referral for specialised psychiatric treatment.
Eruanga added that sustained tracing efforts by the ministry and relevant stakeholders led to the identification of Guobadia’s relatives and his eventual reunion with family members.
She noted that post-rehabilitation monitoring is being maintained to support his recovery, facilitate successful reintegration, and ensure continued access to essential welfare services.
Another Social Welfare Officer, Mr. Ewere Samuel, said the case underscored the importance of coordinated intervention for vulnerable persons, many of whom are abandoned without adequate family support.
He called for stronger public enlightenment campaigns and improved post-care support systems to reduce stigma, encourage acceptance, and enhance reintegration outcomes across communities.
Mr. Charles Imarhiagbe, Guobadia’s uncle, who visited the hospital after learning of the case through media reports, expressed gratitude to the commissioner and the ministry for their prompt intervention.
He also commended the rehabilitation team for their professional handling of the case and for facilitating the successful reunion with family members.
Guobadia was rescued after being found wandering along Airport Road in Benin City in a visibly distressed condition and was taken into protective custody for treatment.
