Nine psychiatric patients have reportedly escaped from the Ondo State Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Akure, sparking widespread concern among local residents.

The incident, which occurred on Saturday, has raised serious questions about the security measures at the mental health facility. According to sources at the hospital, the patients were able to break out due to inadequate security systems in place.

A staff member, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed the severity of the situation: "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 in the streets of Akure."

The escape has particularly distressed family members of patients receiving treatment at the facility. One relative, who recently had to return an escaped family member to the hospital, expressed frustration over the recurring issue.

"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," the concerned family member stated.

The incident has prompted calls for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa's intervention to address the security lapses at the facility. Attempts to reach Professor Simidele Odimayo, the state's Special Adviser on Health, for comments were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.

This is not the first security incident at the facility. In 2018, a patient at the same hospital reportedly assaulted the Chief Medical Director, Dr. Akinwumi Akinloye, and three nurses, leaving them unconscious.

Residents of Akure remain anxious as authorities work to locate and return the escaped patients to the facility for continued treatment.