By Lawal Amina Abiodun (SIWES student, D S Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic)
Traders and residents in Kara, Ibafo, and Mowe Communities within Ogun State’s Obafemi Owode Local Government Area are expressing growing concerns regarding the rising presence of mentally ill individuals who roam their communities.
These individuals can often be spotted in abandoned buildings, unfinished structures, bridges, stalls, and roadside areas, causing significant worry among the local residents.
During our visit to these communities, we observed several individuals suspected to be mentally ill, aimlessly wandering and lingering in the vicinity.
There is a prevailing fear that the presence of these individuals may create opportunities for misconduct and pose a threat to society’s well-being.
Oluwatomisin, a trader, shared an unsettling experience where she was harassed by a mentally ill woman who mistakenly believed she had cleared trash on a pedestrian bridge.
This incident led to a chaotic situation in the market for over 30 minutes. Oluwatomisin stressed the importance of the government providing a suitable place for these individuals to ensure they do not disrupt the community.
Modupe Abraham, another trader, highlighted the vulnerability of these mentally ill individuals, especially when they sleep on highways, endangering their lives. She urged authorities to relocate them and provide the necessary treatment.
Tosin, a market trader, acknowledged the kindness and compassion shown by market women, customers, and residents towards the mentally ill individuals.
However, she emphasized that more assistance is required, as these individuals genuinely need help.
Efforts to contact Mrs. Ogunremi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ogun State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, for comments on the situation, were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
