Family commends Edo Govt for rescuing US deportee

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Imarhiagbe expressed appreciation to the Edo Government and the ministry for their prompt response and efforts that led to the reunion with family members.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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She said medical personnel advised the family to remain patient with him after discharge, as his behaviour might not immediately return to normal.

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Eruanga urged the family to support his recovery with love and care, and ensure he was not stigmatised or abandoned after discharge.

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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.

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