• Says exercise not intended to criminalize or stigmatised
From our Bureau Chief, Benin
On Monday, 11 May, 2026, the Edo State Government continued its raid on mentally challenged persons which began last week, in Benin-City, the State Capital.
The State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development on behalf of Government, is carrying out the operation to evacuate mentally challenged persons from major streets and public spaces within the Benin City metropolis; an action which is billed to be spread across the entire State very soon.
The operation, it was asserted; is part of efforts to address mental health concerns, restore public safety, and provide rehabilitation for vulnerable individuals across the State.
The media team of the ministry headed by Daisy Osunde, a director, made the disclosure in a press release circulated amongst journalists in Benin, on Monday.
(R), State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah and PS Mrs Joy Ihensekhien
The raiding exercise, was supervised by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah.
With the Commissioner, were officials of the Ministry who moved across strategic locations within the city to identify and evacuate persons living with mental disorders; and roaming the streets without care or shelter, it was said.
Also, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Joy Ihensekhien participated in the operation alongside the director and staff of the Ministry’s Rehabilitation Department, who coordinated the evacuation and assessment process.
Speaking about the exercise, the Commissioner said; the operation forms part of the Edo State Government’s broader commitment to protecting vulnerable persons; while ensuring a safer and healthier environment for residents.
The exercise is not intended to criminalize or stigmatize persons with mental health conditions, but to provide them with humane care, treatment, rehabilitation, and opportunities for reintegration into society, Abdallah was quoted to have pointed out.
“This exercise is fundamentally a humanitarian intervention aimed at restoring dignity and hope to vulnerable individuals who have been abandoned on the streets.
“Many of these persons require urgent medical attention, psychosocial support, and rehabilitation; and it is the responsibility of the government to ensure they receive the care they deserve.”
Mrs. Abdallah further explained that the operation would continue and be periodic, adding; that the Ministry is working with relevant stakeholders and rehabilitation professionals to ensure that rescued persons are properly profiled, assessed, and given adequate support.
“We are committed to sustaining this exercise across the State. This is not a one-off operation. The Government of Edo State remains determined to rid our streets of situations that expose mentally challenged persons to danger, abuse, and neglect while also safeguarding public health and safety.”
The Commissioner was said to have appealed to residents to cooperate with the Ministry by reporting cases of mentally unstable persons who may require urgent intervention, while encouraging citizens to show compassion and empathy toward vulnerable individuals.
Officials of the Rehabilitation Department disclosed that those evacuated during the exercise would undergo proper medical evaluation and rehabilitation processes; aimed at facilitating recovery and possible reintegration with their families and communities where applicable.
The ongoing Statewide exercise is part of the Ministry’s sustained social welfare and rehabilitation programme, targeted at addressing homelessness, mental health challenges, and the protection of vulnerable groups within Edo, Mrs. Abdallah was quoted to have asserts.
