YENAGOA, BAYELSA STATE — The Bayelsa State Government has commenced the evacuation of persons experiencing mental health challenges from the streets of Yenagoa metropolis for medical treatment, rehabilitation and possible reintegration into society.
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The exercise, which took place on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, was led by the Commissioner for Women, Children Affairs, Empowerment and Social Development, Hon. Joanah Gigi, alongside a team of medical doctors and Social Welfare Rehabilitation Officers.
About 15 persons were evacuated during the exercise and taken to a specialist hospital for immediate medical attention.
Speaking with EMTV News after the exercise, Commissioner 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,” Gigi said.
She explained that the number evacuated was limited by available bed spaces at the hospital, adding that the government would continue the exercise to reach others still on the streets.
“So far, we’ve been able to capture about fifteen of them for now due to bed space at the hospital. After this, we shall go for the rest,” she said.
According to the Commissioner, the current phase of the exercise is focused on the Yenagoa metropolis, where many of the vulnerable persons have been identified.
She disclosed that the medical team expects the initial treatment programme to last approximately three weeks.
“The doctor said he’s going to treat them for about three weeks, and they will come back to normal,” she stated.
On the fate of the persons after treatment, Gigi said the government would work to identify their places of origin and facilitate their repatriation where necessary.
“Once they gain their senses, we’ll ask them where they come from. Then the government has to repatriate them,” she explained, describing the intervention as a collaboration between the Assured Prosperity Government and the Ministry of Women Affairs.
The Commissioner also praised 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, while commending the governor for what she described as his concern for humanity.
The exercise coincided with activities marking the 30th anniversary of the creation of Bayelsa State, with the Commissioner joining other government officials and residents in celebrating the milestone.
Gigi congratulated Bayelsans and the state government on the anniversary, while also acknowledging Nigeria’s Independence anniversary.
“I want to say happy 30th anniversary to Bayelsans, happy 30th anniversary to the government of Bayelsa State, happy 66th anniversary to Nigeria. Hurray, congratulations!”
The state government says the intervention is part of broader efforts to protect vulnerable persons, promote their welfare and dignity, and support their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
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