The Kwara State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has inaugurated integrated mental health and psychosocial support services for residents of Woro and Oke-Ode communities.
Reports indicate that terrorists attacked Woro community in February 2026, killing more than 100 people, including pregnant women and children, and 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 a particular focus on women and children.
Mr Wilfred Mamah, UNICEF Child Protection Specialist Officer, called on governments at all levels to strengthen child protection through integrated services covering health, education, nutrition, and WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene).
He explained that the response targets 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.
Mamah said trained facilitators are 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 adopts a multi-sectoral strategy, providing access to healthcare, nutritional support, and improved environmental sanitation to address the broader humanitarian crisis triggered by the attacks.
“Woro community has experienced a tragedy that struck at the heart of the harmony for which Kwara State is known.
“When children endure such trauma, the effects go far beyond the moment of violence. Children who once laughed freely may withdraw into silence.
“Children who once ran joyfully to school may now be unable to attend and may feel too afraid to leave their homes,” he said.
He noted that trauma can deprive a child of the freedom to simply be a child but added that, with proper care, protection, and opportunities, children have an extraordinary ability to heal and rebuild their lives.
Earlier, the Kwara Commissioner for Health, Dr Aminat El-Imam, described the Woro attacks as unfortunate, noting that the ministry had provided consumables to mitigate the impact on affected residents.
She reiterated the government’s commitment to partnering with UNICEF to deliver psychosocial and infrastructural interventions for affected communities.
