Bayelsa Evacuates 15 Persons From Streets For Rehabilitation

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

The exercise is being carried out by a team of medical doctors, social welfare officers and rehabilitation officers under the supervision of the Commissioner for Women, Children Affairs, Empowerment and Social Development, Joanah Gigi. The persons were evacuated from different locations within the Yenagoa metropolis and taken to a specialist hospital for 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.

"So far, we have evacuated about fifteen mentally challenged persons for rehabilitation and treatment for them to regain their senses," she said. The commissioner explained that the number evacuated during the initial exercise was limited by available bed spaces at the hospital.

She said the government would continue the exercise to reach other vulnerable persons still living 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 Gigi, the current phase of the intervention is focused on the Yenagoa metropolis, where several vulnerable persons have been identified. She added that the initial treatment programme is expected to last about three weeks.

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

On what would happen after treatment, Gigi said the government would establish the persons' places of origin and facilitate their return where necessary. "Once they gain their senses, we'll ask them where they come from. Then the government has to repatriate them," she explained.

The commissioner described the intervention as a collaboration between the state government and the Ministry of Women Affairs.

She also commended 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.

The exercise coincided with activities marking the 30th anniversary of the creation of Bayelsa State.

Gigi congratulated Bayelsans and the state government on the anniversary while also acknowledging Nigeria's Independence anniversary. She said the intervention was part of broader efforts by the state government to protect vulnerable persons, promote their welfare and dignity, and support their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.