In a move to prioritise the mental health and welfare of survivors, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani visited the Kaduna Children’s Shelter to meet with 82 individuals who recently escaped a violent attack in the Kurmin Wali community.
The victims, the majority of whom are children, managed to flee during a targeted assault on worshippers. While they have escaped the immediate physical danger, officials say the focus has now shifted to the “invisible scars” left by the trauma of the event.
The 82 escapees are currently undergoing intensive psychological treatment and trauma counselling at the state-run shelter. During his visit, Governor Sani assessed the recovery progress of the survivors and spoke with healthcare professionals managing their care to ensure that the facility is meeting their complex needs.
The Governor emphasised that the state’s intervention is not just about providing temporary housing, but ensuring a comprehensive reintegration process. This approach prioritises long-term emotional stability alongside physical safety.
The incident in Kurmin Wali underscores the ongoing security challenges facing the region. The attack occurred while community members were gathered for worship, leading to a chaotic scene that separated families and forced many, particularly children, into the surrounding areas to seek safety.
According to reports by Mohammed Umar Ajingi, the successful escape and subsequent recovery of these 82 individuals have highlighted the urgent need for secure spaces and specialised pediatric trauma care within the state’s social welfare system.
“The well-being of these children is a top priority. We are committed to ensuring they receive the best possible care to recover from this harrowing experience,” the Governor stated during his assessment.
The shelter is currently hosting eighty-two victims, consisting predominantly of children. They remain under constant observation for psychological evaluation and trauma-informed counselling, with the state government monitoring their health daily as a precursor to eventual family reunification efforts.
