By Joseph Oyelami
A middle-aged woman, identified as Olamide Olubukola, has appealed to the Osun State Police Command, community leaders, humanitarian organizations, and well-meaning Nigerians for urgent assistance after she was allegedly abandoned in Ilesa and left without shelter or support.
The woman, who claimed to be an indigene of Ipetu-Ijesa in Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State, was reportedly found wandering around the Omi-Eran area of Ilesa on Friday, June 5, 2026. She alleged that her daughter brought her to the town and subsequently left her behind under circumstances she could not fully explain.
Speaking with a correspondent of TheCasterNewsNG.com, Olamide said the experience has been traumatic and heartbreaking. She noted that she has spent several days moving from one location to another in search of assistance, food, and a safe place to rest.
According to her, the situation has become more difficult because many people who see her assume she is mentally unstable and often avoid interacting with her. She maintained that she is of sound mind and is only facing a period of extreme hardship and abandonment.
The distressed woman disclosed that she is currently suffering from tetanus, a condition she said has significantly affected her health and mobility. She explained that persistent pains and weakness have made it difficult for her to fend for herself or seek proper medical treatment.
“I am not mentally unstable as some people think. I am only passing through a difficult period in my life. My daughter brought me to Ilesa and left me here. Since then, I have been struggling to survive without shelter, food, or medical care,” she said.
She further appealed to government agencies and charitable organizations to intervene quickly, warning that her health condition could worsen if she does not receive urgent medical attention.
Olamide also raised concerns about her security, alleging that she has been approached by some unidentified individuals during the night while sleeping in open places. She said the situation has left her living in fear and uncertainty.
Some residents of the area who spoke on the matter expressed sympathy for the woman and called on relevant authorities to investigate her claims. They emphasized that regardless of the circumstances surrounding her situation, she deserves protection, healthcare, and social support.
A community member who preferred not to be named said vulnerable persons found in distress should not be left unattended, urging social welfare officials to step into the matter without delay.
The woman appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, religious bodies, and residents of Ipetu-Ijesa to help verify her identity and reconnect her with her relatives. She expressed hope that members of her community would recognize her and assist in facilitating her return home.
Residents have also called on the Osun State Ministry of Women Affairs, Social Welfare Department, and humanitarian groups to provide temporary shelter and medical assistance while efforts are being made to trace her family.
As of the time of filing this report, no official statement had been issued by the Osun State Police Command or any government agency concerning the woman’s allegations. However, concerned citizens have continued to urge authorities to act swiftly in view of her health and welfare challenges.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the growing challenges faced by vulnerable persons across communities and the importance of stronger family, social, and institutional support systems to protect those in distress. Community advocates say cases of neglect, abandonment, and homelessness require collective action from government, families, and civil society organizations to prevent further suffering.
