Lagos Rescues Distressed Woman Who Tried to Report ‘the Sun’ at Police Station
Lagos State has rescued a mentally unstable woman who went to a police station to file a complaint against the sun. She is now receiving medical care.
The Lagos State Government has rescued a woman said to be suffering from mental distress after she reportedly visited the Panti Police Station in Yaba to lodge a complaint — not against a person, but against the sun.
Officials say the woman, who appeared well-dressed but disoriented, has been taken to a state-owned rehabilitation center where she is receiving medical and psychological support.
In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, the Ministry of Youth and Social Development said the incident was brought to its attention through a social media alert.
According to the ministry, the woman had booked an Uber ride from Lekki to Panti Police Station, where she calmly approached officers to report that “the sun was disturbing her.”
“She was subsequently rescued and taken to one of the Lagos State–owned rehabilitation centres, where she is currently receiving the necessary medical and psychological care to aid her recovery,” the statement said.
Photos released by the government showed the woman standing near a ministry vehicle, neatly dressed in a dark jacket, short skirt, and knee-high socks, with her luggage beside her. Her identity has been withheld to protect her privacy.
The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, praised the ministry’s Rescue Team for their prompt and professional response.
“The team acted swiftly once the case was reported through Instagram, ensuring the woman received immediate help,” he said.
Similarly, the Permanent Secretary, Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, encouraged Lagos residents to stay vigilant and report unusual or life-threatening situations promptly.
“Our ‘See Something, Say Something’ campaign is designed to ensure that every vulnerable person in distress gets help before harm,” she explained.
She also urged the public to avoid mockery or stigmatization of individuals suffering from mental health challenges, emphasizing that mental illness requires compassion, not condemnation.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the growing mental health crisis in Nigeria, where access to proper psychiatric care and social support remains limited.
Experts say Lagos has been leading national efforts in raising mental health awareness through public education, emergency response training, and rehabilitation programmes targeted at vulnerable individuals.
In recent years, the state has expanded its network of rescue and care centres, combining medical intervention with counselling and rehabilitation — part of its broader goal to make mental health care accessible and stigma-free.
While the “reporting the sun” incident sparked public curiosity online, Lagos officials say the case is a reminder that mental health crises are not spectacles but calls for empathy.
Authorities urged residents to prioritize compassion, early intervention, and cooperation with mental health support services.
If you ever encounter someone in mental distress, don’t film — help.
Contact the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development or report through the See Something, Say Something platform for immediate assistance.
Tags:
Lagos State Government, mental health Nigeria, Mobolaji Ogunlende, Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, Panti Police Station, Lagos Rescue Team, rehabilitation centre, See Something Say Something, mental health awareness, social intervention
