C/River rids Calabar streets of mentally challenged persons

The Government of Cross River has through the Calabar Urban Development Authority (CUDA) commenced the evacuation of mentally challenged persons from the state capital, Calabar. The Executive Director of CUDA, Chief Effiong Ayi, who spoke with newsmen on Wednesday, said that the aim of the exercise was to address the pressing issue of mental health […]

C/River rids Calabar streets of mentally challenged persons

The Government of Cross River has through the Calabar Urban Development Authority (CUDA) commenced the evacuation of mentally challenged persons from the state capital, Calabar.

The Executive Director of CUDA, Chief Effiong Ayi, who spoke with newsmen on Wednesday, said that the aim of the exercise was to address the pressing issue of mental health in the metropolis.

Ayi said that the evacuation exercise followed the recent inauguration of a mental holding centre by Gov Bassey Otu as part of his administration’s one-year celebration in office, adding that at the commencement of the initiative on Monday the centre registered over 30 inmates.

He explained that, “The primary goal of this exercise is to eliminate the large presence of mentally challenged individuals in our metropolis and facilitate their rehabilitation, enabling them to lead productive lives.”

He emphasised the urgency of the operation due to the increasing number of mentally challenged persons causing disturbances within the city. (NAN)