EDSG Rescues Elderly Woman Living with Mental Illness, Commits to Her Rehabilitation

By Rosemary Okoduwa

The Edo State Government has rescued an elderly woman living with mental illness, Madam Evbu Iyahen Eguasa, from deplorable living conditions in Benin City and admitted her into a rehabilitation facility, where she will receive medical care, psychosocial support and rehabilitation before her eventual reintegration into society.

The rescue operation, carried out on Monday, July 13, 2026, was led by the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, following a distress report and in line with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to protecting vulnerable citizens across the state.

Acting on the report, Hon. Abdallah directed the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Joy Ihensekhien, and officers of the Rehabilitation Services Department to visit Madam Eguasa’s residence on Upper Lawani Street, Benin City. The team found the building in a severely dilapidated condition, with its doors and windows removed and most openings sealed with mud and sand. Madam Eguasa was found alone inside the house. Although physically active and able to communicate fluently in English and Edo, she repeatedly hurled curses at members of the rescue team. Neighbours also disclosed that she had demolished parts of the building and used broken blocks to barricade the frontage of the property.

Speaking during the operation, Hon. Abdallah reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable persons, stating that Madam Eguasa would receive adequate treatment, psychosocial care and continuous monitoring until she is fit to be reintegrated into society.

Narrating the family’s ordeal, Madam Eguasa’s younger brother, Mr. Lugard Iyahen Eguasa, thanked Governor Monday Okpebholo and Hon. Eugenia Abdallah for the timely intervention. He disclosed that his sister was deported to Nigeria several years ago after living abroad and became disoriented upon arrival in Lagos before an Edo-born police officer reunited her with the family. He added that although she was admitted to the Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Benin City, the family could not continue her treatment because of financial constraints. He further revealed that her deteriorating condition forced his family to relocate after she repeatedly threatened his children.

He described the government’s intervention as a major relief, while residents of the area also commended Hon. Abdallah for her swift response and compassionate leadership.
The rescue underscores the Okpebholo administration’s people-centred approach to governance and its unwavering commitment to protecting the elderly, persons living with mental health conditions and other vulnerable citizens through prompt intervention, rehabilitation and social support.