Aminu Salisu SodangiThe Lagos State Government has successfully intervened to rescue a woman with mental health challenges who was accused of causing disturbances in a community located in the Agege area of the state. This action was prompted by a viral video that highlighted the issue and garnered public attention.
The intervention by the state government followed the emergence of footage online this week, which depicted a distressed woman imploring the authorities to protect the neighborhood from ongoing harassment allegedly instigated by the mentally unstable individual.
In the video, the person recording from a nearby building asserted that the woman, who was identified as residing at No. 31 Adedosu Street in Agege, had been throwing stones into the homes of residents and brandishing dangerous items such as a machete and a knife.
“This individual with mental health issues throws stones from one house to another.
“She is also in possession of a machete, a knife, and other potentially harmful implements. She claimed to possess a firearm.
“Please come and rescue us from Ibukun Coker; we fear for our lives in this neighborhood,” the resident pleaded in Yoruba.
The identity of the resident featured in the viral video, which has been extensively circulated on various social media platforms, remains unknown, but they detailed the threats posed by the mentally ill individual to the community.
“Our children are unable to play freely due to her throwing stones. We have made reports to various agencies, yet there has been no response,” she claimed.
In response to the public outcry on Friday, the state Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, confirmed via a post on his verified X account that officials from the ministry’s Rescue Team had intervened and removed the woman from the area for medical care and rehabilitation.
“She has been taken to one of our facilities for assistance.
“I encourage the public to keep reporting any situations that require government action.
“We are dedicated to ensuring social stability in Lagos. Let us collaborate to effect change,” Ogunlende stated.
The commissioner further highlighted that the state government is committed to safeguarding vulnerable individuals while upholding peace and order within communities.
The ministry urged residents to persist in reporting similar incidents through its emergency contact lines, assuring that no concerns regarding public safety or welfare would be overlooked.
