Edo State Govt Steps Up Rescue and Rehabilitation of Mentally Ill Persons in Benin

By Rosemary Okoduwa

The Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development on Monday intensified its ongoing statewide operation to evacuate mentally ill and vulnerable persons from major streets and public spaces within the Benin City metropolis, as part of efforts to improve public safety, address mental health concerns, and provide rehabilitation and care for affected individuals across the state.

The exercise, supervised by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, saw officials of the Ministry move across strategic locations within the city to identify and evacuate persons living with mental health disorders and roaming the streets without proper care or shelter.

Also present during the operation was the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Joy Ihensekhien, alongside directors and staff of the Ministry’s Rehabilitation Department, who coordinated the evacuation and assessment process.

Speaking during the exercise, the Commissioner said the operation forms part of the Edo State Government’s broader commitment to protecting vulnerable persons while ensuring a safer, healthier, and more orderly environment for residents.

According to her, the exercise is not intended to criminalize or stigmatize persons living with mental health conditions, but rather to provide them with humane care, medical attention, rehabilitation, and opportunities for reintegration into society.

“This exercise is fundamentally a humanitarian intervention aimed at restoring dignity and hope to vulnerable individuals who have been abandoned on the streets. Many of these persons require urgent medical attention, psychosocial support, and rehabilitation, and it is the responsibility of government to ensure they receive the care they deserve,” she stated.

Hon. Abdallah further explained that the operation would remain continuous and periodic, stressing that the Ministry is collaborating with relevant stakeholders and rehabilitation professionals to ensure rescued persons are properly profiled, assessed, and given adequate support.

“We are committed to sustaining this exercise across the state. This is not a one-off operation. The Edo State Government remains determined to reduce situations that expose mentally challenged persons to danger, abuse, and neglect, while also safeguarding public health and safety,” she added.

The Commissioner appealed to residents to cooperate with the Ministry by reporting cases of mentally unstable persons who may require urgent intervention, while also encouraging citizens to show compassion, empathy, and support toward vulnerable individuals within their communities.

Officials of the Rehabilitation Department disclosed that persons evacuated during the exercise would undergo proper medical evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation processes aimed at facilitating recovery and possible reunification with their families and communities where applicable.

The ongoing statewide operation forms part of the Ministry’s sustained social welfare and rehabilitation programme targeted at addressing homelessness, mental health challenges, and the protection of vulnerable groups across Edo State.