The Ogun State Government has taken into custody, Mistura Adebayo, a young girl reportedly found wandering on two occasions.

The government has also commenced medical investigations to assess her health and determine the appropriate care she requires.

A statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Ogun State, Adebimpe Obienu stated that the intervention of government 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, who coordinated the deployment of social workers to the police station where the girl had been taken.

“On arrival, the social workers were informed the 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.

The Ministry however 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.

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. (The Nation)