A touching and emotional story has surfaced online following the death of a mentally unstable woman known as Blessing, a mother of five who lived on the streets of Benin City, Edo State.
According to a narration shared by a woman identified as Kokomama, she met Blessing about eight months ago during a visit to Nigeria. Blessing had been living in an uncompleted building in Benin for over a decade and was known by residents in the area for her unstable mental condition.
Kokomama revealed that her cousin, a mechanic who had worked in the area for years, confirmed that Blessing had been in that state long before he began his business there. Despite her condition, many locals remembered that Blessing once lived a normal life before her mental health deteriorated.
Blessing, believed to be from Imo State, reportedly had five children, though she had no recollection of their faces or whereabouts. Neighbours told Kokomama that a church once took the children in to care for them but left Blessing behind to fend for herself in the abandoned building.
Tragically, Blessing’s own family, who also lived in Benin, had allegedly turned their backs on her, pretending she didn’t exist.
Kokomama shared that she was determined to help Blessing regain her dignity. She visited her several times, brought her food, clothing, toiletries, and even bathed and cleaned her up herself — an act that shocked the community.
Kokomama and blessing
She explained that it took several days of effort and patience to gain Blessing’s trust. “Her neighbours said she would never come close to anyone, but I was determined. I told them I must bathe and clean her before leaving Benin,” she said.
To calm Blessing down, she often bought her cigarettes and drinks just to make her cooperate. “It wasn’t easy at all. Blessing was stubborn but cheerful,” she added.
Over time, the two developed a close friendship. Kokomama supported her financially and paid a woman in the area to help care for Blessing after she returned abroad.
Sadly, she received a heartbreaking call recently — Blessing had passed away. The caretaker informed her that Blessing was found dead in the same uncompleted building where she had lived for years.
“I just got the saddest news. Blessing is gone. I had already bought items for her before hearing of her death. She was not my relative, but we shared a bond. I’ll truly miss her,” Kokomama wrote.
Blessing’s story sheds light on the struggles of mentally ill individuals abandoned by family and society, as well as the rare compassion shown by strangers who choose to care when others turn away.
May her soul rest in peace.
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