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The Nigerian Psychological Association (NPA) has warned that the schoolchildren and teachers who regained their freedom after 55 days in kidnappers’ dens may have escaped captivity but remain trapped by deep emotional wounds, urging the government to immediately provide professional mental health care to aid their recovery.
While celebrating their safe return, the association said freedom alone does not erase the trauma of weeks spent in the hands of abductors, stressing that many of the victims could suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, nightmares, fear, withdrawal, poor concentration, and other long-lasting psychological challenges if left without proper care.
In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Dr Joseph Tyover Kiva, the NPA described the victims’ release as “nothing short of a miracle” and expressed gratitude to everyone whose efforts made it possible.
The association, however, insisted that the next battle is healing the invisible scars left by the traumatic experience.
It called on the Federal Government, the affected state government, the Ministries of Education and Health, security agencies, humanitarian organisations and school authorities to immediately commence comprehensive psychosocial rehabilitation for the released children and teachers.
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Among its recommendations are immediate psychological assessment, trauma-informed counselling by qualified psychologists, family counselling, school-based reintegration programmes, long-term mental health support and community sensitisation to prevent stigma against the victims.
The NPA also pledged to partner with government and development agencies to provide evidence-based psychological interventions aimed at restoring hope, resilience and emotional well-being among the affected children, teachers and their families.
The association added that the incident once again exposes the urgent need to strengthen security around schools across the country, insisting that every child deserves not only to be rescued but also to heal.
“Every child deserves not only to survive but also to heal. Every teacher deserves the opportunity to recover from trauma with dignity and professional support,” the statement said.
