By Willies Ugo, Gombe
Tackle Trauma – Sept. 24, 2025
In a bid to address the rising cases of trauma caused by insurgency, banditry, and socioeconomic crises, Gombe State has trained 75 lay counselors to provide immediate support to victims in their communities.
The intensive training, held at Amina Hall, was organized by the Africa Transitional Justice Legacy Fund (ATJLF) in collaboration with Kishimi Shelter and Care Foundation (KSCF) and Psycare Health Rights Foundation (PHRF). It forms part of ATJLF’s legacy initiative to strengthen community-based trauma management across the Northeast.
Participants, drawn from community and religious leadership, healthcare, education, security, youth, and student groups, were equipped with practical skills to recognize trauma, offer empathetic support, and guide victims toward recovery.
Speaking at the event, professional psychologist Mr. Amdo Jackson Annas emphasized that lay counselors should move beyond conventional phrases like “be patient” or “God is there,” stressing the importance of empathy and practical intervention.
Human rights advocate Mr. Sylvester Yibis Iliya conducted sessions on listening techniques, structuring counseling conversations, and supporting decision-making for help-seekers. Mrs. Grace Tony Samuel, Executive Director of KSCF, and Mr. John Benedict, Director of PHRF, oversaw group exercises, presentations, and hands-on learning.
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The programme concluded with the presentation of certificates to participants, who expressed confidence that the skills gained would help reduce trauma-related challenges in their communities.
