Cope and Live Raises Alarm on Trauma Among 50 Mushere-Bokkos Widows
Posted on: May 9, 2026 | Category: Outreach Reports | Tags: Plateau State, IDP Crisis, Mental Health in Nigeria, Mushere Bokkos Attacks
Bokkos, Plateau State – The Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation has concluded an urgent mental health outreach to 50 widows at the COCIN Central Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp in Bokkos, revealing critical levels of psychological trauma and humanitarian needs following attacks on Mushere-Bokkos communities.
Conducted on May 8, 2026, the visit by our team led by Mr. Amos Zingven Selkap our Plateau State Programs Manager, exposed the heavy human cost of the violence. The widows, many of whom lost everything, are struggling with profound grief and the harsh realities of displacement.
Distressing Findings from the Outreach
The women recounted harrowing experiences of attacks by armed herdsmen. Several lost husbands, children, and other close relatives. In one devastating incident on 26 May 2025, Mrs. Paulina Jerry survived an attack that killed six members of her immediate family.
During the sessions, many survivors broke down in tears while sharing their stories — clear signs of acute grief, emotional instability, and high risk of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
All 50 widows reported total loss of their homes, farmlands, and livelihoods. One survivor, Rhoda, captured the collective pain when she said: “Our community has been taken from us, and we cannot return unless the government intervenes decisively.”
The outreach covered widows from Mwor, Kadinbisha, Hok, and other surrounding communities.
Urgent Recommendations
Guided by the IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings, Cope and Live recommends immediate and medium-term interventions:
Establishment of weekly safe space support groups facilitated by trained counselors and peer supporters.
Psychological First Aid (PFA) training for selected camp volunteers.
Mental health screening for depression, anxiety, and PTSD, with referrals to clinical services in Jos.
Trauma-informed skills training in tailoring, soap-making, poultry farming, and small-scale trading.
Provision of starter kits, linkage to Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA), and unconditional cash or food assistance.
Strengthened collaboration with NEMA, SMEDAN, and other partners for sustainable livelihood restoration.
Advocacy with government and security agencies to address safety concerns and enable safe return where possible.
Call to Action
These widows urgently need more than sympathy. Without swift psychosocial support and economic intervention, their mental health and ability to rebuild their lives will be severely compromised.
We call on concerned individuals and organizations, the Plateau State Government, Federal Government agencies, humanitarian partners, faith-based organisations, donors, and the general public to support comprehensive recovery efforts for these survivors.
How You Can Help
Make a donation to our Emergency Widows Psychosocial and Livelihood Support Fund by calling us on +2348148318965 or sending an E-mail to: info@copeandlive.foundation.
Partner with us on skills training, cash assistance, or safe space programmes.
Share this report to amplify the voices of these women.
Pray for and Advocate for lasting peace and security in Plateau State.
Download Full Outreach Report [PDF Link]
The road to recovery is long, but with collective action, dignity and hope can be restored.
Signed:
Munachi Igbelina
Admin Team Lead
Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation
If things are getting out of hand, please call us on +234 814 831 8965 or send us an Email at: info@copeandlive.foundation for tailored guidance.