The Ogun State Government has taken Mistura Adebayo into custody and commenced medical investigations after the young girl was reportedly found wandering for the second time.
The Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development disclosed this in a statement signed by its Permanent Secretary, Mrs Adebimpe Obienu.
The ministry said its intervention followed a report brought to the attention of the former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, by Adetoun Adejobi.
According to the statement, Adeleye contacted Obienu, who coordinated the deployment of social workers to the police station where Mistura had been taken.
On arrival, the social workers learnt that the girl had already been released to her grandmother.
The ministry said it received another report the following day that Mistura had been seen wandering again, prompting a fresh intervention that led to her being taken into government custody.
Medical investigations have since commenced to establish her health status and identify any underlying concerns that may require further attention.
The ministry said it would continue to take necessary steps to protect the girl and provide an appropriate and sustainable care arrangement in her best interests.
It also called on residents to report cases of gender-based violence, child abuse, neglect, exploitation and other threats to the safety and welfare of women and children.
The public can seek assistance through the ministry’s toll-free lines and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) across the state.
The designated contacts are the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development on 0800 0000 666, Sagamu SARC on 0800 0000 555, Ilaro SARC on 0800 0000 077, Ijebu-Ode SARC on 0800 0000 088, and Abeokuta SARC on 0800 0000 099.
The ministry stressed that prompt reporting could help save lives and protect vulnerable persons, urging residents to speak up whenever they encounter situations that threaten the welfare of women and children.
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