Bayelsa evacuates lunatics from streets

The Bayelsa State Government has evacuated about 15 persons experiencing mental health challenges from the streets of Yenagoa metropolis for medical attention, rehabilitation and possible reintegration into society.

The exercise, which is being carried out by a team of medical doctors, social welfare and rehabilitation officers, is directly supervised by the State Commissioner for Women, Children Affairs, Empowerment and Social Development, Hon. Joanah Gigi.

About 15 persons were evacuated during the exercise and taken to a specialist hospital for immediate medical attention.

Speaking after the exercise, Gigi said the intervention followed a directive from Governor Douye Diri and was aimed at restoring the affected persons’ health and dignity.

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“So far, we have evacuated about fifteen mentally challenged persons for rehabilitation and treatment for them to regain their senses,” she said.

She explained that the number evacuated was limited by the available bed spaces at the hospital, adding that the government would continue the exercise to reach others still on the streets.

“So far, we’ve been able to capture few due to bed space at the hospital. After this, we shall go for the rest,” she said.

According to the Commissioner, the current phase of the exercise is focused on the Yenagoa metropolis, where many of the vulnerable persons have been identified.

She disclosed that the medical team expects the initial treatment programme to last approximately three weeks.

“The doctor said he’s going to treat them for about three weeks, and they will become normal,” she stated.

On the fate of the persons after treatment, Gigi said the government would work to identify their places of origin and facilitate their repatriation where necessary.

“Once they gain their senses, we’ll ask them where they come from. Then the government has to repatriate them,” she explained, describing the intervention as a collaboration between the Assured Prosperity Government and the Ministry of Women Affairs.

The Commissioner also praised Governor Diri for extending the intervention to vulnerable non-indigenes living in the State.

“Providing you are in Bayelsa State, you are one; we are one Bayelsans. So he never discriminates,” Gigi said, while commending the Governor for what she described as his concern for humanity.

The exercise coincided with activities marking the 30th anniversary of the creation of Bayelsa State, with the Commissioner joining other government officials and residents in celebrating the milestone.

Gigi congratulated Bayelsans and the State Government on the anniversary, while also acknowledging Nigeria’s Independence anniversary.

She said the State Government says the intervention is part of broader efforts to protect vulnerable persons, promote their welfare and dignity, and support their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.