Guobadia’s uncle, Charles Imarhiagbe (R) with the Commissioner (C)
Guobadia’s uncle and mum (C), flanked by the commissioner, Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah 3rd from (R), Perm Sec. Joy Ihensekhien
From our news desk, Benin
Last week, it was reported in the media that the Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, rescued a 53 year old United States of America deportee, from the streets of Benin, the State Capital.
The deportee identified as Peter Guobadia was said to have been found along the Airport road, wandering in a severe state of mental distress.
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Consequently acting on the swift response of the Commissioner, Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah, he was taken to the Federal Neuro Psychiatric Hospital, Uselu, Benin City, for immediate medical attention, and was admitted to bed with treatment administered since the first day.
Also, he was reunited with his family, it was said.
In appreciation, the family has expressed profound gratitude to the Edo State Government and the Honourable Commissioner, Mrs. Abdallah for the swift intervention that saved his life.
This was made known in a press release by the director, media in the Ministry, Daisy Osunde and circulated amongst journalists in Benin on Monday, 6 July, 2026.
Speaking during a visit to the Commissioner, Guobadia’s maternal uncle, Charles Imarhiagbe said the family had searched tirelessly for him after learning that he had been deported to Nigeria.
But all efforts to locate him proved unsuccessful until they saw media reports about his rescue by the Ministry, the Uncle said.
He narrates; that Peter was initially unable to recognize him due to his mental condition, and having left Nigeria at a very young age.
However, after careful interaction and questioning, he was able to mention the names of some family members, including his uncle, thereby confirming his identity.
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The biological mother of the rescued deportee, Mrs. Efe Osunde who was also on the visit, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Hon. Eugenia Abdallah for her compassion, prompt response, and commitment to the welfare of vulnerable persons.
Also appreciating the Governor of the State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, She commended him for providing purposeful leadership and creating an enabling environment that allows the ministry to effectively discharge its humanitarian responsibilities.
Overwhelmed with emotion, the deportee’s mother prayed God to continually bless the Governor, the Commissioner, and every official involved in ensuring her son received timely medical attention and care.
Responding, the Honourable Commissioner, Mrs. Abdallah reiterated that protecting vulnerable persons remains a core mandate of the ministry.
She explained; that immediately she received reports of Guobadia’s condition, she directed the Rehabilitation Services Department to rescue him and ensure that he received urgent medical attention.
Hon. Abdallah disclosed that the ministry took full responsibility for the patient’s medical expenses; and expressed satisfaction with reports indicating that he is responding positively to treatment.
The Commissioner emphasized that the administration of Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo remains committed to promoting the welfare, dignity, and protection of all citizens, particularly vulnerable groups who require government support and intervention.
She also commended the dedication and professionalism of officers of the Rehabilitation Services Department, Mrs. Esther Eruanga and Ewere Friday Samuel whose prompt and compassionate handling of the case contributed significantly, to the successful rescue and ongoing recovery of Guobadia.
The visit by the family underscores 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, it was stated.
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