Mrs. Cecilia Okpara
From our news desk, Benin
An elderly woman who went missing but found, Madam Cecilia Okpara has been reunited with the family by the Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
Madam Okpara who went missing from the family for over a week, was brought to the Ministry on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, by a good Samaritan, Mrs. Igbinadolor Oghogho.
The good Samaritan said she found Madam Okpara wandering around the Evbuomore-Idunowina area in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.
She narrates; that she had initially taken the elderly woman to a private television station in an effort to locate her family before eventually bringing her to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for further intervention.
Madam Okpara who identified herself as an indigene of Amanta in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, appeared disoriented and unable to provide sufficient information about her whereabouts or family members.
Upon her arrival, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah immediately directed the Department of Social Welfare to provide her temporary shelter and adequate care while efforts were intensified to trace her relatives.
The Ministry subsequently commenced investigations and outreach efforts aimed at identifying and locating members of her family.
Following the successful conclusion of the investigation and confirmation of her identity, Madam Cecilia Okpara was formally reunited with her family on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
3rd from (R), the Hon. Commissioner, Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah, Madam Cecilia Okpara, the daughter, PS Joy Ihensekhien and others during the handover ceremony. Photo Credit: EMWASD
The handover ceremony was conducted by Hon. Eugenia Abdallah alongside the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Joy Ihensekhien.
Speaking during the reunion, the daughter of Madam Okpara expressed profound gratitude to the Edo State Government and the Ministry for their compassion and swift intervention.
She explained that her mother had recently relocated from Port Harcourt to live with her in Benin City, and the family was shocked when she suddenly went missing.
“We were deeply worried and searched everywhere for her. We are grateful to the Ministry and everyone involved for taking care of our mother and helping us find her,” she said.
Advertisement
In reaction, Hon. Abdallah commended Mrs. Igbinadolor Oghogho for her sense of responsibility and kindness in ensuring the safety of the elderly woman rather than leaving her unattended.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to protecting vulnerable persons across the State, noting that the successful reunion demonstrates the importance of collective responsibility and timely intervention in safeguarding the welfare of citizens.
She urged members of the public to continue supporting government efforts by reporting cases involving missing, abandoned, or vulnerable individuals to the appropriate authorities for prompt action.
The reunion marks another testament to the Ministry’s dedication to social welfare, protection services, and the promotion of human dignity in Edo State.
Sponsored Content
About the Author
