By Rosemary Okoduwa
What began as a distressing search for a missing elderly woman ended in tears of joy and gratitude as the Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development successfully reunited Madam Cecilia Okpara with her family after days of uncertainty and anxious waiting.
Madam Cecilia Okpara was found wandering alone and visibly confused around the Evbuomore-Idunowina area in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State on May 26, 2026. Concerned for her safety, a compassionate resident, Mrs. Igbinadolor Oghogho, took it upon herself to ensure the elderly woman received help.
Mrs. Oghogho first explored every possible avenue to locate the woman’s relatives, including taking her to a private television station to seek public assistance. When these efforts did not yield immediate results, she brought Madam Okpara to the Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for further intervention.
At the Ministry, the elderly woman could only identify herself as an indigene of Amanta in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State. She appeared disoriented and was unable to provide details that could easily lead authorities to her family.
Moved by her condition, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, immediately directed the Department of Social Welfare to provide the elderly woman with shelter, care, and protection while an extensive search for her family commenced.
For more than a week, officials of the Ministry worked tirelessly, conducting investigations and outreach efforts to uncover her identity and reconnect her with her loved ones.
On Tuesday, June 2, 2026, an emotional reunion took place as Madam Cecilia Okpara was formally handed over to her family by Hon. Eugenia Abdallah in the presence of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Joy Ihensekhien.
The atmosphere was filled with relief and gratitude as family members embraced their long-lost mother after days of fear and uncertainty.
Overcome with emotion, Madam Okpara’s daughter expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Edo State Government and the Ministry for their compassion and unwavering support.
“We were deeply worried and searched everywhere for her. We never gave up hope, but each passing day was difficult for the family. We are sincerely grateful to the Ministry and everyone involved for taking care of our mother and helping us find her,” she said.
She revealed that Madam Okpara had recently moved from Port Harcourt to Benin City to live with her family before unexpectedly going missing.
Hon. Eugenia Abdallah commended Mrs. Igbinadolor Oghogho for her exceptional kindness and civic responsibility, noting that her decision to assist a vulnerable stranger played a critical role in the successful reunion.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to protecting vulnerable persons across Edo State, emphasizing that the touching reunion serves as a reminder of the power of compassion, collective responsibility, and timely intervention.
She urged members of the public to continue reporting cases involving missing, abandoned, or vulnerable individuals to the appropriate authorities, stressing that every act of kindness can help save a life and reunite families.
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