The Ogun State Government has taken Mistura Adebayo, a young girl reportedly found wandering on two occasions, into its custody and commenced medical investigations to determine her health status and the appropriate care she requires.
The Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development disclosed this in a statement signed by its Permanent Secretary, Mrs Adebimpe Folusho Obienu, explaining that the intervention followed reports brought to the attention of the former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, by Adetoun Adejobi.
According to the ministry, Adeleye immediately contacted the permanent secretary, who coordinated the deployment of social workers to the police station where Mistura had been taken.
However, the social workers were informed on arrival that the girl had already been released to her grandmother.
The ministry said it received another report the following day that Mistura had been seen wandering again, prompting a fresh intervention that led to her being taken into government custody.
It added that medical investigations were ongoing to establish her health status and identify any underlying concerns that might require further attention.
The ministry assured the public that it would take the necessary steps to protect the girl and provide an appropriate and sustainable care arrangement in her best interests.
It also urged members of the public to report cases of gender-based violence, child abuse, neglect, exploitation and other concerns affecting the safety and welfare of women and children.
Residents were advised to seek assistance through the ministry’s toll-free line, 0800 0000 666, while those requiring support could also contact the Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) in Sagamu on 0800 0000 555, Ilaro on 0800 0000 077, Ijebu-Ode on 0800 0000 088 and Abeokuta on 0800 0000 099.
The ministry stressed that prompt reporting could help save lives and protect vulnerable persons, urging residents to speak up whenever they encountered situations threatening the safety and welfare of women and children.
