ONE BIG FAMILY…BEFORE greets AFTER

It’s been over two months since their story shook the internet.
A family of five that was known for their bizarre lifestyle and affliction. Ben, his wife and three kids for over seven years roamed the hinterlands of Bekwarra-Ogoja, Cross River State in search of nothing in particular. Adorned in their customary rags and spotting dreadlocks, which is typical of insane people in Nigeria, they found a home sleeping in open fields and in the cold.

Two months after
Ex corps member Progress Oberiko took the pictures that introduced this family to the world, there has been remarkable progress in the story of Ben and his family.
With support from philanthropist and prompt response from the medical team at the Federal Neuro Psychiatric hospital in Calabar, they are on their way to full recovery.
Doctors say it was really a tough time getting them to accept treatments. The doctors met strong  resistance from them as they refused to accept food or care of any sort. They wouldn’t even speak to anyone.

There was breakthrough at some point. After several medical checks on the children doctors reported that they were even healthier than they thought, no fever, no diseases or infirmities, not even kwashiorkor or “Lakpa-Lakpa” was diagnosed in their system. How amazing!
The Mother who was kept in a separate ward complained about body pains caused by sleeping on the bed after being used to sleeping on the bare floor. They had lived in delusion, which had cost them a great part of their lives but their lives have taken a turn for the better. #GrassToGrace

However, this will not be complete if immediate attention is not paid to sustain their rehabilitation. Support from the government ended after they were brought to the hospital. It seems like once the euphoria of their discovery died off, they were left to their fate.
But Doctors say they need to be reintegrated into the society if they hope to fully recover. But as it is, this family will likely remain in the hospital and become chronic patients if there’s no support.

Benjamin is employable and has got some transferable skills. His wife Blessing, is business oriented and their children are teachable hence they deserve scholarships. You’ll hear from him yourself in my subsequent posts. Right now they need charity and help for sustenance but in future, they have the capacity to fend for themselves even though they’ll still be under check.

We deemed it worthy to celebrate them and so a party was organized to grace their recovery at the Federal Neuro Psychiatric hospital in Calabar where they have been receiving treatment.
Doctors, nurses, Social workers and other guests were gathered to celebrate their liberation. (Pictures in my next post)

Please kindly redirect your kindness to this family this season, you can decide to visit them yourself or send support to them.
Mental illness is recoverable.
God bless you.

Instagram @diaryofafemale9jakopa and @progressoberiko
Twitter @Oberiko_pro
Facebookpage @Progress Oberiko
Progressoberikoblog@gmail.com