Don’t neglect survivors’ trauma – Bukarti tells government after Oyo rescue
Abducted Students and Teachers Rescued in Oyo State: Expert Calls for Long-Term Support
OYO STATE, Nigeria — Dr. Bulama Bukarti, a security and conflict analyst, characterized the recent rescue of abducted students and teachers in Oyo State as “fantastic news” during an interview with Channels TV on Friday. He emphasized the importance of providing long-term psychological support for the victims following their traumatic experience.
Congratulating Nigerians on what he termed a successful military operation, Bukarti urged government officials to clarify that the victims were freed through a legitimate military effort, rather than through ransom payments. He expressed concern that paying ransoms would only incentivize further abductions by enabling terrorists with the resources to execute more attacks.
“I hope and pray that this is an actual military operation and not a negotiation where money or anything else was given to the terrorists,” Bukarti stated. He also warned against neglecting the physical and emotional toll that the 56-day captivity had on the victims.
The analyst noted that the students and teachers endured harsh conditions while held in the bush, lacking adequate food, shelter, and family support. Many reportedly faced threats and abuse during their ordeal.
“We should not gloss over the suffering of these students and teachers. They have gone through horrific experiences. If we fail to address their trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder could remain with them for the rest of their lives, affecting future generations through what is known as transgenerational trauma,” he explained.
Bukarti urged the Oyo State Government to provide comprehensive mental health and psychosocial care, in addition to routine medical treatment, to support the victims’ recovery.
