The Kwara State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has organised a two-day Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services (MHPSS) training and integrated service for the Woro and Oke Ode communities recently affected by banditry.
The event, which was held at Princess Luxury, Pipeline, Ilorin, on Tuesday 17th and Wednesday 18th March 2026, brought together community leaders, volunteers, and professionals to strengthen support systems for affected residents.
In her welcome remark, the Hon. Commissioner for Social Development, Hajia Mariam Nnafatima Imam, described the training as “timely and critical” in addressing the psychosocial challenges arising from insecurity.
She explained that the workshop aims to raise awareness on mental health, particularly among women and children, and equip participants, including teachers, social workers, healthcare professionals, and women advocates, with skills to identify, support, and refer individuals experiencing trauma.
Hajia Imam commended partners, including the Global Hope for Women and Children Foundation (GLOHWOC) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), for their commitment to strengthening community protection systems, urging participants to engage actively in advocacy, break stigma, and foster a culture of care.
In her goodwill message, the Hon. Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina El Imam, praised the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for his unwavering support for the people of Kwara and the affected communities.
She noted that her Ministry has provided consumables to mitigate the impact of the attacks and pledged continued collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development to protect vulnerable populations.
Dr. El Imam also expressed gratitude to UNICEF and called for further international support for infrastructure and psychosocial services.
The Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Rebecca Bake Olarewaju, highlighted measures to prevent educational disruption, noting that “school-in-a-box” kits will be distributed to displaced pupils to ensure continuity of learning.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Child Protection Specialist, Dr. Wilfred Mamah, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Kwara State through integrated services in health, education, WASH, nutrition, and child protection.
He emphasized that the Woro tragedy deeply affected children, many of whom witnessed traumatic events, and described the inauguration of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services (MHPSS) as critical for creating safe spaces for healing and community-based support.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Global Hope for Women and Children Foundation, Dr. Christiana Abayomi Oluwole, lamented the hardships faced by the Woro community and highlighted the workshop’s role in cushioning the economic and emotional toll of the tragedy.
She praised UNICEF for its support and expressed optimism that the training would help survivors overcome trauma.
Alhaji Umar Bio Saliu, Community Leader of Woro, recounted that the attack followed a threat letter from suspected bandits, which he promptly reported to security agencies and the Emirate Council.
He revealed that many residents were killed, including two of his children, and others were abducted.
Alhaji Umar appealed to the state government to intensify efforts to rescue those in captivity, particularly women and children, to restore peace and stability in the community.
Rasheedat Shodunnke.
Press Secretary,
Ministry of Social Development
