Olayiwola Matthew
Panic and fear have gripped residents of Akure, Ondo State capital after nine psychiatric patients ran away from the Ondo State Neuropsychiatric Hospital in the state capital.
It was gathered that the nine patients ran out of the facility on Saturday, 24 May, 2025. The development has created fear and panic among the residents of the area due to the danger they may cause in the city.
It was gathered that the patients, who were undergoing treatment at the hospital, were able to escape from the facility due to its weak security system.
One of the staff, who pleaded anonymity said, “Where we usually keep them is not that secured. The state government should please act fast and do something about it otherwise you will begin to see many of these patients on the streets of Akure.”
Another source, who had one of his relatives among the patients, told DAILY POST about the worsening situation of things in the facility calling on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for intervention.
“The state government should please help us to do something about the security system. It’s frightening that we bring patients here and later find them in the street after a few days.
“I personally spent about N200,000 to get my relative back here on Monday, just like others too. It is very embarrassing that patients can easily escape from a government hospital knowing fully well the nature of their illness and what can happen in the streets with them roaming around,” he said.
As of the time of filing this report, Professor Simidele Odimayo, the state’s Special Adviser on Health, could not be reached for reaction.
Recall that in 2018, a patient of the Neuro-Psychiatric Specialist Hospital in Akure, reportedly beat doctor Akinwumi Akinloye, the Chief Medical Director, and three nurses to coma.
Source: Daily Post