The Kwara State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has inaugurated integrated mental health and psychological support services for residents of the Woro and Oke-Ode communities.

Terrorists attacked the Woro community in February 2026, killing more than 100 people, including pregnant women and children, leaving survivors traumatised, displaced, and vulnerable.

The programme includes the training and inauguration of volunteers comprising teachers, health workers, social workers, and community leaders.

The volunteers are expected to provide multi-sectoral support and coordinated psychosocial interventions for survivors, with particular focus on women and children.

The UNICEF Child Protection Specialist Officer, Wilfred Mamah, called on governments at all levels to strengthen child protection through integrated services covering health, education, nutrition, and WASH (water, sanitation, hygiene).

He explained that the response targeted both urgent and long-term needs of survivors, prioritising mental health and psychosocial support as critical to helping victims rebuild their lives and regain a sense of normalcy.

Mr Mamah said that trained facilitators were already providing counselling and structured play therapy to help children process grief, fear, and loss caused by the violence, ensuring holistic recovery beyond immediate trauma care.

He added that the intervention adopted a multi-sectoral strategy, providing access to healthcare, nutritional support, and improved environmental sanitation to mitigate the broader humanitarian crisis triggered by the attacks.

“The Woro community has experienced tragedy that struck at the heart of the legendary harmony that Kwara State wears as a badge among states.

“When children endure such trauma, the effects reach far beyond the moment of violence. Children who once laughed freely may suddenly withdraw into silence.

“Children who once ran joyfully to school may now be unable to access schools and feel too afraid to leave their homes,” he said.

He explained that trauma could take away something precious from a child, including the freedom to simply be a child.

He, however, observed that with proper care, protection, and opportunities, children had an extraordinary ability to heal and rebuild their lives.

Earlier, Kwara State Commissioner for Health, Aminat El-Imam, described the Woro attacks as unfortunate, noting the ministry’s support with consumables to mitigate the impact on residents.

She also reiterated the government’s resolve to partner with UNICEF to provide psychosocial and infrastructural interventions for affected communities.

(NAN)