By Milcah Tanimu
Traders and residents in Kara, Ibafo, and Mowe Communities, located in the Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, are expressing growing unease about the rising number of mentally ill individuals who roam their localities.
According to reporter on Monday, these mentally ill individuals can be found lurking in uncompleted buildings, abandoned houses, bridges, market stalls, and along the roadsides, causing distress among the residents.
During a visit to these communities, our correspondent observed several suspected mentally ill individuals wandering and loitering in the area.
Residents fear that the presence of these mentally ill individuals may create opportunities for wrongdoers to carry out harmful acts within the community.
One trader, Oluwatomisin, voiced her concerns, stating that the mentally ill individuals who roam the streets and markets disrupt daily life, sometimes harassing people who visit the market.
“There is even one mentally ill woman who harassed me two days ago. She gathered trash on the pedestrian bridge and someone cleared it because it was becoming an eyesore, so she thought I was the one. Then she started scattering my wares, throwing stones and wood at everyone in the market, causing chaos for more than 30 minutes,” Oluwatomisin recounted.
She further explained that if there were suitable facilities to provide assistance for these individuals, they could be relocated and receive the necessary treatment. She called upon the government to make provisions for their care.
In addition, she raised concerns about their safety, as some of them sleep on the highway and could become victims of accidents. She urged the authorities to take action and ensure the relocation and proper treatment of these mentally ill individuals.
Another trader, Tosin, acknowledged that people in the market, including market women, customers, and residents, display kindness and compassion towards the mentally ill individuals. However, she emphasized that more assistance is required, as these individuals genuinely need help.
Despite attempts to contact the Permanent Secretary of the Ogun State Ministry Of Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs. Ogunremi, there has been no response to texts and calls at the time of reporting.