Nigerian Comedian Bovi Ugboma has reacted to the viral incident involving an Ibom Air passenger who engaged in a violent altercation with a cabin crew member during a flight from Uyo to Lagos.

Naijaonpoint reports that the passenger, identified as Comfort Emmanson, was accused of ignoring safety instructions, including turning off her mobile phone during landing.

Eyewitness accounts and videos shared online showed that she allegedly slapped the flight purser, pulled off her wig, stepped on her, and attempted to use a fire extinguisher before being restrained.

Airport security and officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria intervened, forcing her off the tarmac after she refused to leave voluntarily.

Her shirt was torn in the struggle, leaving her exposed, before she was handed over to the police and reported to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.

Bovi, in his reaction, pointed to the need for more awareness of mental health challenges, saying that people could be dealing with deep emotional distress or past trauma that influences their behaviour.

He also commended the airline staff for managing the situation and urged that the passenger receive medical evaluation alongside facing legal action.

He wrote on his Instagram story: “Mental illness is not only when someone is “mad and trekking and eating from a bin.

“Some people are really stressed. Some are used to abusive patterns of distressing like cussing and fighting. Some are triggered by chronic childhood trauma. Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a thing.”

“Kudos to the airport staff and airline hostess for the way they handled that passenger. But that girl needs to be taken to a hospital. That looked like a manic episode. Yes, she should face the law. But she also needs mental treatment. Most of us do.”