A young girl, Mistura Adebayo, has been taken into the custody of the Ogun State Government for medical investigations and further care after she was reportedly found wandering twice.
The Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development disclosed this in a statement signed by its Permanent Secretary, Mrs Adebimpe Folusho Obienu.
According to the statement, the government’s intervention followed reports brought to the attention of the former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, by Adetoun Adejobi.
Obienu said Adeleye immediately contacted her, prompting the deployment of social workers to the police station where Mistura had been taken.
“On arrival, the social workers were informed that Mistura had already been released to her grandmother,” she said.
The permanent secretary added that the ministry received another report the following day that the girl had been seen wandering again, prompting a fresh intervention that led to her being taken into government custody.
She said medical investigations had commenced to establish Mistura’s health status and identify any underlying concerns requiring further attention.
“The ministry is committed to taking the necessary steps to protect Mistura and provide an appropriate and sustainable care arrangement in her best interests,” Obienu said.
She assured the public that the government would continue to monitor the situation and ensure that the girl received the necessary attention and support.
The permanent secretary 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.
She said prompt reporting could help save lives and protect vulnerable persons, urging residents to speak up whenever they encountered situations that threatened the safety and welfare of women and children.
