A clinical psychologist, Sabina Ebadan, has called for immediate and sustained psychological care for the schoolchildren and teachers recently rescued from captivity in Oyo State, warning that the effects of kidnapping often extend far beyond physical injuries.
Speaking with Nigeria info, Ebadan said kidnapping is not only a security incident but also a deeply traumatic experience that can leave lasting mental health consequences if victims do not receive professional support.
According to her, victims often endure fear, uncertainty, threats, hunger and prolonged stress, causing the brain to remain in survival mode even after they have been rescued.
She explained that rescued victims may experience acute stress reactions such as shock, confusion, emotional numbness, panic attacks, sleep difficulties and poor concentration immediately after the ordeal.
She added that some may later develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), characterised by flashbacks, nightmares, fear of returning to school or work, hypervigilance, avoidance of discussions about the incident, and difficulty sleeping or concentrating.
The psychologist also identified anxiety disorders, depression, survivor’s guilt, cognitive difficulties and behavioural changes as possible long-term consequences of kidnapping.
She noted that affected children may become withdrawn, aggressive or unusually clingy, while teachers may struggle with emotional exhaustion, anxiety and reduced confidence in returning to the classroom.
Ebadan stressed that while family reunification is an important step in recovery, it should not replace professional psychological care.
She said psychologists help survivors understand that their reactions are normal responses to trauma, identify symptoms requiring treatment, develop healthy coping strategies and prevent long-term mental health conditions, while also guiding families on how best to support their loved ones.
She maintained that rescued victims should ideally undergo medical examinations, psychological assessments, Psychological First Aid, trauma screening, family counselling and follow-up mental health appointments after returning home, noting that some trauma symptoms may not emerge until weeks or months after the incident.
Looking ahead, Ebadan urged governments to integrate psychologists and psychiatrists into emergency response teams, establish a national trauma response programme for victims of kidnapping and terrorism, provide free trauma counselling, strengthen school safety measures, expand school-based mental health services, promote public awareness on mental health and support research into the psychological impact of kidnapping.
She concluded that true recovery requires addressing both physical and psychological wounds, describing mental health support as an essential component of healing rather than a luxury.
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