Edo State Govt Rescues and Reunites US Deportee Battling Mental Illness with Family

A 53-year-old Nigerian deported from the United States has been reunited with his family following a coordinated rescue and rehabilitation effort by the Edo State Government after he was found wandering in a distressed condition along Airport Road in Benin City.

The man, identified as Peter Guobadia, is currently receiving treatment at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Uselu, where health professionals are managing his condition after he was rescued by officials of the Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.

State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Eugenia Abdallah, said the successful reunion highlights the government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable residents and ensuring they receive the medical care, rehabilitation, and social support needed to rebuild their lives.

Speaking on the intervention, Abdallah explained that the ministry moved swiftly after Mr Guobadia was brought to its attention, facilitating his referral for specialist psychiatric evaluation and treatment.

She noted that the ministry remains focused on strengthening systems that provide timely assistance to vulnerable persons found in difficult circumstances, particularly those battling mental health challenges or lacking family support.

According to the commissioner, the state government is working closely with mental health institutions, civil society organisations, and development partners to improve rehabilitation services, expand access to mental healthcare, and enhance reintegration programmes for vulnerable individuals across Edo State.

She added that efforts are also being intensified to strengthen community outreach and improve coordination among relevant agencies to ensure that people requiring urgent intervention are identified and assisted without delay.

Providing further insight into the case, Senior Social Welfare Officer Esther Eruanga disclosed that ministry officials first became aware of Mr Guobadia’s situation through reports circulating in the media.

The reports prompted an immediate rescue operation, during which officials located him along Airport Road in Benin City. Following an initial assessment that indicated severe mental distress, he was transferred to the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Uselu, for comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and treatment.

Eruanga said the ministry subsequently launched efforts to trace his relatives, working with relevant stakeholders to establish his identity and reconnect him with his family.

Those efforts eventually led to a successful reunion, bringing an end to the uncertainty surrounding his whereabouts and allowing his relatives to participate in his ongoing recovery process.

She explained that the ministry will continue to monitor Mr Guobadia’s progress after rehabilitation, ensuring he receives the necessary welfare support and follow-up care needed for a successful return to family and community life.

Another Social Welfare Officer, Ewere Samuel, described the case as a reminder of the growing need for coordinated intervention in supporting vulnerable persons, especially individuals living with mental health conditions who are often abandoned or left without adequate family care.

Samuel stressed the importance of sustained public awareness campaigns to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and encourage families and communities to embrace rehabilitation and reintegration initiatives.

He also advocated stronger post-care support systems to improve long-term recovery outcomes for vulnerable individuals across the state.

Reacting to the reunion, Mr Guobadia’s uncle, Charles Imarhiagbe, expressed appreciation to the Edo State Government, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, and the medical team at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital for their prompt intervention.

He commended the professionalism displayed throughout the rescue, treatment, and family tracing process, noting that the government’s efforts made it possible for the family to reconnect with their loved one during a difficult period.

Mr Guobadia was rescued after he was found wandering along Airport Road in Benin City in a visibly distressed condition before being taken into protective custody and referred for specialist psychiatric care.