Edo Ministry Reunites Missing Elderly Woman with Family After Week-Long Search

The Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has reunited a missing elderly woman, Madam Cecilia Okpara, with her family after providing her with care and shelter for more than a week.

Madam Okpara was brought to the Ministry on May 26, 2026, by a concerned resident, Mrs. Igbinadolor Oghogho, who found her wandering in the Evbuomore-Idunowina area of Ovia North-East Local Government Area.

According to Mrs. Oghogho, she initially took the elderly woman to a private television station in an attempt to locate her family before handing her over to the Ministry for further assistance.

The woman, who identified herself as an indigene of Amanta in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, appeared disoriented and was unable to provide adequate information about her family or place of residence.

Upon receiving the case, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, directed the Department of Social Welfare to provide temporary accommodation and proper care for the elderly woman while efforts were made to trace her relatives.

The Ministry subsequently launched investigations and outreach efforts, which led to the successful identification and location of her family members.

Madam Cecilia Okpara was formally reunited with her family on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, during a handover ceremony conducted by the Commissioner, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Joy Ihensekhien.

Speaking at the reunion, Madam Okpara’s daughter expressed appreciation to the Edo State Government and the Ministry for their compassion and prompt intervention.

She explained that her mother had recently relocated from Port Harcourt to live with her in Benin City before she unexpectedly went missing.

“We were deeply worried and searched everywhere for her. We are grateful to the Ministry and everyone involved for taking care of our mother and helping us find her,” she said.

Hon. Abdallah commended Mrs. Oghogho for her kindness and sense of responsibility in ensuring the safety of the elderly woman.

The Commissioner reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to protecting vulnerable persons across the state and urged residents to promptly report cases involving missing, abandoned, or vulnerable individuals to the appropriate authorities.

She noted that the successful reunion highlights the importance of community vigilance and collective responsibility in safeguarding the welfare and dignity of citizens.