The Edo Government has initiated engagement with the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Uselu, Benin, to strengthen treatment and rehabilitation for mentally ill persons rescued from the streets, including deportee Peter Guobadia.

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Eugenia Abdallah, said the initiative formed part of sustained efforts to improve coordination with mental health institutions caring for vulnerable rescued individuals across the state.

Ms Abdallah said this in an interview with journalists on Sunday in Benin.

She said discussions with the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital were exploring improved access to professional treatment for affected persons, emphasising that no formal collaboration agreement had yet been concluded between the two parties.

Ms Abdallah said stronger support from non-governmental organisations, development partners, and community stakeholders was needed to address the growing number of mentally ill persons found in public spaces across Edo.

She said existing rehabilitation facilities remained limited and overstretched, emphasising the need for sustained interventions to remove vulnerable individuals from the streets and provide appropriate treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care.

The commissioner cited Peter Guobadia’s case as part of ongoing interventions, explaining that rehabilitation would precede efforts to trace his relatives and facilitate possible reintegration into society following successful recovery.

Ms Guobadia, 53, an indigene of Benin who was deported from the United States, was discovered along Airport Road after concerned residents alerted authorities to his condition, prompting immediate intervention by government officials.

“He reportedly exhibited signs of mental distress before authorities placed him in protective custody and referred him to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for immediate intervention and rehabilitation.

“Before admission, Guobadia said he had lived in the United States for several years and was deported after spending time in a rehabilitation facility before returning to Nigeria permanently.

“He, however, said he could not immediately recall his family members or home address in Benin, making efforts to reconnect him with relatives more difficult following his deportation recently.”

Ministry officials subsequently admitted Mr Guobadia for medical evaluation and rehabilitation as part of ongoing government efforts aimed at restoring his health before commencing family tracing and possible social reintegration.

Head of Clinical Services, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Uselu, Osaretin Owie, said the hospital remained ready to support the Edo Government’s engagement on the treatment and rehabilitation of mentally ill persons rescued across the state.

He said, “All admissions into the facility must follow proper clinical assessment, referral documentation and confirmation of medical stability in line with established procedures.”

Mr Owie said the hospital had previously identified areas for technical collaboration with relevant agencies, including staff training, improved case management, and strengthened community mental health support across Edo and beyond.

He added that the hospital continued receiving patients from Edo and neighbouring states because specialised neuropsychiatric centres remained limited across the region, increasing pressure on available healthcare services.

According to him, “early referral remains critical for accurate diagnosis, effective treatment and improved recovery outcomes,” highlighting the importance of timely intervention for successful mental healthcare and patient rehabilitation.

Senior Social Welfare Officer, Esther Eruanga, said preliminary observations suggested Mr Guobadia showed signs of severe depression, although only psychiatric specialists could establish a definitive diagnosis following a comprehensive clinical assessment.

She said mental illness could be associated with substance abuse, trauma, untreated medical conditions, and socioeconomic challenges, underscoring the importance of a comprehensive medical assessment before reaching any clinical diagnosis.

Ms Eruanga called for stronger collaboration with NGOs and development partners to strengthen the removal, treatment, and rehabilitation of mentally ill persons while expanding support services across Edo communities.

She said the absence of a state-owned shelter remained a major challenge, adding that the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital was already overstretched because of the increasing number of mental health cases requiring specialist treatment.

She added that Mr Guobadia had been admitted to the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Uselu, where preliminary examinations revealed diabetes, a heart condition, and low potassium levels, while further investigations continued. 

(NAN)