The Ogun State Government has taken Mistura Adebayo, a young girl reportedly found wandering on two occasions, into its custody and commenced medical investigations to assess her health and determine the appropriate care she requires.
The Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development disclosed that its intervention followed reports brought to the attention of the former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, by Adetoun Adejobi.
According to the Ministry, Adeleye immediately contacted the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Adebimpe Folusho Obienu, who coordinated the deployment of social workers to the police station where the girl had been taken.
On arrival, the social workers were informed that Mistura had already been released to her grandmother.
The Ministry said it received another report the following day that the girl had been seen wandering again, prompting a fresh intervention that resulted in her being taken into government custody.
It added that medical investigations were ongoing to establish her health status and identify any underlying concerns requiring further attention.
The Ministry assured the public that it would continue to take the necessary steps to protect Mistura and provide an appropriate and sustainable care arrangement in her best interests.
Meanwhile, the Ministry 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.
It said residents could report such cases or seek assistance through its toll-free lines: Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, 0800 0000 666; Sagamu Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), 0800 0000 555; Ilaro SARC, 0800 0000 077; Ijebu-Ode SARC, 0800 0000 088; and Abeokuta SARC, 0800 0000 099.
The Ministry stressed that 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.
Signed:
Mrs Adebimpe Folusho Obienu
Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development
Ogun State
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