The Bayelsa State Government has evacuated 15 persons living with mental health challenges from the streets of Yenagoa, the state capital, for medical treatment, rehabilitation and eventual reintegration into society.
The exercise was led by the Commissioner for Women, Children Affairs, Empowerment and Social Development, Joanah Gigi, alongside medical doctors and social welfare officers.
The affected persons were taken to a specialist hospital where they are expected to receive immediate medical attention and rehabilitation.
Gigi said the intervention was carried out following a directive from Governor Douye Diri as part of efforts to restore the health, dignity and wellbeing of vulnerable persons living on the streets.
She explained that the number evacuated during the latest operation was limited by the available bed spaces at the medical facility, adding that the government would continue the exercise to reach other affected persons across Yenagoa.
According to the commissioner, the current operation is focused on the Yenagoa metropolis, where several vulnerable persons have been identified.
She said the medical team expects the initial treatment programme to last about three weeks, after which the government will assess the condition of the beneficiaries and begin the process of reconnecting them with their families.
Gigi said officials would establish the places of origin of those who recover and facilitate their return where necessary.
She also said the intervention covers vulnerable persons living in Bayelsa, irrespective of whether they are indigenes or residents from other parts of the country.
The commissioner commended Governor Diri for supporting the initiative and described it as part of the administration’s broader commitment to protecting vulnerable people and promoting their welfare.
The state government said the exercise forms part of its efforts to address the needs of people living on the streets, provide access to healthcare and rehabilitation, and support their eventual reintegration into their families and communities.
