Ogun State Government has taken Mistura Adebayo, a young girl reportedly found wandering on two occasions, into its custody and begun medical investigations to assess her health and determine the appropriate care she needs.

Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development said the intervention followed reports brought to the attention of the former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye, by Adetoun Adejobi.

According to the ministry, Adeleye contacted the Permanent Secretary, Adebimpe Folusho Obienu, who coordinated the deployment of social workers to the police station where the girl had been taken.

However, when the social workers arrived, they were informed that 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’s 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 take the necessary steps to protect Mistura and develop a sustainable care arrangement in her best interests.

It also urged 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 ministry said that prompt reporting could help save lives and protect vulnerable people, urging residents to speak up whenever they encountered situations that threatened the safety and welfare of women and children.