By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

Residents of the Olaiya area in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, were thrown into panic as a middle-aged lady, whose identity is yet to be ascertained, was reportedly dumped by the roadside.

Our correspondent gathered that the lady, who could neither talk nor recognise anything, was found on Asikolaye Street, Olaiya Area, where passersby were taking a glimpse at her.

Reports indicated that her mental instability sparked suspicions of a possible ritual.

A resident of the area, who identified himself as Baba Lekan, said the lady was dumped in the area in the middle of the night.

He said, before they went home on Saturday, there was no sign of the lady until Monday, when they resumed their daily business activities.

“When we saw her this morning, she could neither talk nor identify anything. She was well-dressed, but we suspect she has fallen prey to those yahoo yahoo guys.

“As a matter of fact, they must have used her for money rituals.”

He, therefore, called on the state government and concerned authorities to come to the aid of the lady, saying that quick medical attention could save her life.

Meanwhile, shop owners in the area have made an official report at the police station, notifying the security agency about the incident.

In a letter addressed to Dugbe Police Station, Old Garage, through their lawyer, Barrister K.A. Adebisi, the shop owners called on the police to take necessary actions.

“We act on behalf of the business owners and residents, ably represented by Mr Sikiru Sanni, also known as Samrad Property Agency, and Mrs Bamigbola, Mama Dada, and others, for themselves and on behalf of business owners and residents of Number 1, Asikolaye Street, Olaiya Area, Osogbo, to urgently inform you of an abandoned middle-aged woman who they found this morning, 30th September 2024, when they opened their business premises for the day’s activities.

“They are hereinafter called our clients.

“Sir, we therefore urgently request your good office to take immediate and necessary actions to avoid any untoward consequences.

“In conclusion, as we perform our civic duties as good citizens of this country, we hope that your good office will respond to our report in the interest of public safety and security,” the letter reads.