Ogun takes wandering girl into custody, begins medical care

The Ogun State Government has taken Mistura Adebayo, a young girl reportedly found wandering on two occasions, into protective custody and commenced medical investigations to assess her health and determine appropriate care.

The Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development disclosed that the intervention followed a report made by one Adetoun Adejobi to a former commissioner, Adijat Adeleye.

According to a statement on Monday, Adeleye “immediately contacted the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Adebimpe Folusho Obienu, for necessary action.”

The ministry said social workers dispatched to the police station initially discovered that Mistura had been released to her grandmother.

However, “following another report that she was found wandering the next day, the Ministry intervened again and took her into government custody,” the statement said.

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The ministry confirmed that medical investigations were ongoing, adding that it was committed to safeguarding the girl’s welfare.

It said it would ensure “a sustainable care arrangement in her best interests.”

The ministry also urged residents to promptly report cases of child abuse, neglect, exploitation, gender-based violence and other threats to the safety of women and children through its toll-free lines.

The numbers are 0800 0000 666 for the Ministry of Women Affairs, 0800 0000 555 for the Sagamu Sexual Assault Referral Centre, 0800 0000 077 for the Ilaro centre, 0800 0000 088 for the Ijebu-Ode centre and 0800 0000 099 for the Abeokuta centre.

The statement reiterated that “timely reporting remains essential to protecting vulnerable persons and saving lives.”

Tosin Oyediran is a journalist with Punch Newspapers, bringing over eight years of newsroom experience to his coverage of politics, health, advocacy, sports, and entertainment. Known for sharp interviews and human-centered reporting, his work focuses on public accountability, civic issues, and the stories shaping everyday lives.

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