Mama Silifatu Olawale, a homeless old woman, who narrowly escaped being lynched by angry mob in Ibadan, on Thursday, over alleged witch-craft spirit, has been reunited with her family.
The 74-year-old woman, who was said to be mentally challenged, was reported to have been rescued by the Oyo State Government.
While handing the woman over to her relatives, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Alhaja Kafilat Olayiwola, condemned the use of jungle justice which she described as unjust treatment of suspected mentally ill persons by members of the public.
The commissioner who stated that the act is barbaric and traumatizing, advised the residents to always hand over such cases to the authorities for further investigation.
Olayiwola, who spoke through the Director of Administrative and Supplies in the Ministry, Olumuyiwa Olagoke said, “Our people should be cautious and avoid unlawful deeds that can truncate the peaceful atmosphere in the state.
“About two weeks ago, we received an urgent call about an unclad woman in front of the state secretariat who was wrongfully accused of being a witch thereby leading to serious beating. We swung into action and rescued her from being lynched by the angry mob.
“We took her to one of our centres for adequate care and protection. Thank God that today, the state government has rehabilitated her and she is now in stable mind to return to her family hale and hearty, she said.”
Narrating her ordeal, the old woman said she was a petty trader at Agbeni Market, Ibadan and later moved to Bodija Market doing menial jobs for survival before the incident occurred.
“I gave birth to seven children, I lost four to untimely death. The most painful one was when I lost my twins to death, later my husband died. I was distressed and some people wanted to collect the only property my husband left for me which is an uncompleted building that I used as shelter.
“On the day that the state government rescued my soul, I went to Bodija market for my usual menial job; I usually carry loads for people. They accused me that I am a witch, tore my clothes and wished me death. But God in His infinite mercy rescued my soul; I am grateful to Governor Seyi Makinde for show of love.”
Receiving her mother, Taiwo Olawale, who was accompanied by her aunty, Nosiratu Buhari, expressed appreciation to the state government for the care.
According to her, the woman had an unstable state of mind since 1999 with the family doing all within their reach to get her medical attention until recently when the situation degenerated.
The Medical Officer, Emmanuel Rehabilitation Centre for the Mentally ill, Oja’gbo, Ibadan, Dr Adeniyi Lawal, said that the woman was down with ‘Senile Dementia.’
