Edo Government Reunites US Deportee Found Wandering in Benin City With Family After Mental Health Rescue

Edo Government Reunites US Deportee Found Wandering in Benin City With Family After Mental Health Rescue

Description: Edo State Government has reunited a 53-year-old US deportee, Peter Guobadia, with his family after rescuing him wandering in Benin City while suffering from severe mental distress.

Edo Government Reunites US Deportee Found Wandering in Benin City With Family After Mental Health Rescue

The Edo State Government has reunited Peter Guobadia, a 53-year-old Nigerian deported from the United States, with his family after rescuing him in Benin City while he was reportedly experiencing severe mental distress.

Guobadia was found wandering along Airport Road in Benin in a visibly distressed condition and was immediately taken into protective custody before being referred for urgent medical and psychiatric treatment.

The successful rescue and family reunion have been described as part of the Edo State Government's ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable residents, provide access to healthcare, and support rehabilitation and reintegration.

Government Explains Rescue Operation

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Eugenia Abdallah, disclosed the development during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin City.

According to Abdallah, Guobadia was transferred to the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Uselu, where he is currently receiving specialised treatment following an assessment of his mental health condition.

She explained that the intervention demonstrates the ministry's commitment to ensuring that vulnerable individuals found on the streets receive immediate medical attention, rehabilitation, and long-term social support.

"The ministry remains committed to strengthening response mechanisms for vulnerable persons while working closely with healthcare providers and other stakeholders to ensure timely intervention," she said.

Collaboration to Improve Mental Health Support

The commissioner revealed that the ministry is partnering with mental health institutions, civil society organisations, and development partners to improve rehabilitation services and expand access to mental healthcare across Edo State.

She added that the government is intensifying outreach programmes and strengthening coordination among relevant agencies to ensure quicker responses whenever vulnerable individuals are identified.

According to Abdallah, these measures are aimed at promoting recovery, restoring dignity, and helping affected individuals successfully reintegrate into society.

How Peter Guobadia Was Identified

Senior Social Welfare Officer Esther Eruanga said the ministry became aware of Guobadia's situation after media reports highlighted his condition.

The reports prompted an immediate rescue operation along Airport Road in Benin City.

Following his rescue, officials carried out preliminary assessments which revealed clear signs of severe mental distress, making urgent psychiatric evaluation necessary.

He was subsequently admitted to the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Uselu, for specialised care.

Family Traced After Intensive Search

Eruanga disclosed that social welfare officials, working alongside relevant stakeholders, launched extensive tracing efforts that eventually led to the identification of Guobadia's relatives.

The ministry has now successfully reunited him with his family while maintaining post-rehabilitation monitoring to support his recovery.

She explained that follow-up welfare services will continue to ensure he receives the necessary medical care, family support, and social assistance required for a successful reintegration into the community.

Edo Government Reaffirms Commitment

The Edo State Government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting vulnerable citizens through timely intervention, access to mental healthcare, rehabilitation programmes, and family reunification initiatives.

Officials stressed that collaboration between government agencies, healthcare institutions, development partners, and the public remains essential in identifying and assisting people experiencing mental health challenges before their situations worsen.

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