Family of Rescued Deportee Commends Edo Government for Swift Intervention

By Rosemary Okoduwa

The family of Mr. Peter Guobadia, a 53 year old deportee from the United States who was recently found wandering along Airport Road in Benin City in a state of severe mental distress, has expressed profound appreciation to the Edo State Government and the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, for the swift intervention that saved his life and reunited him with his loved ones.

Mr. Guobadia was rescued by officials of the Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development on the directive of the Commissioner and was immediately admitted to the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Uselu, where he has been receiving specialized medical treatment.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Commissioner, the victim’s maternal uncle, Mr. Charles Imarhiagbe, said the family had searched tirelessly for Peter after learning of his deportation to Nigeria, but all efforts to locate him proved unsuccessful until they came across media reports of his rescue by the ministry.

According to him, Peter was initially unable to recognize him because of his mental condition, having left Nigeria at a very young age. However, after careful interaction and questioning, he was able to identify and mention the names of close family members, including his uncle, thereby confirming his identity.

The biological mother of the rescued deportee, Mrs. Efe Osunde, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Hon. Eugenia Abdallah for her compassion, prompt intervention, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of vulnerable persons. She also commended the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for providing purposeful leadership and creating an enabling environment that empowers the ministry to effectively deliver life-changing humanitarian services.

Overcome with emotion, Mrs. Osunde offered prayers for God’s continued blessings upon Governor Okpebholo, Hon. Abdallah, and every official who played a role in ensuring that her son received timely medical attention, care, and a renewed chance at life.

Responding, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, reaffirmed that safeguarding the rights, welfare, and dignity of vulnerable persons remains a core mandate of the ministry. She explained that upon receiving reports about Mr. Guobadia’s condition, she immediately directed the Rehabilitation Services Department to rescue him and ensure he received urgent medical care.

Hon. Abdallah disclosed that the ministry assumed full responsibility for Mr. Guobadia’s medical expenses and expressed satisfaction with reports confirming that he is responding positively to treatment.

She emphasized that the administration of Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting the welfare, dignity, and protection of all Edo citizens, particularly the vulnerable, through responsive governance and compassionate social intervention.

The Commissioner also commended the dedication and professionalism of officers of the Rehabilitation Services Department, Mrs. Esther Eruanga and Mr. Ewere Friday Samuel, whose prompt, compassionate, and professional handling of the case contributed significantly to Mr. Guobadia’s successful rescue and ongoing recovery.

The family’s visit further reflects growing public confidence in the Edo State Government’s commitment to social welfare and responsive governance, as demonstrated through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development’s timely intervention in restoring hope to a distressed citizen and reuniting him with his family.