“Despair is widespread”: Nigeria’s Maiduguri Diocese Providing Psychosocial Trauma Healing to Flood Victims

“The Diocese rolled out funds to buy foodstuffs, and this will continue,” Fr. Bature, a clinical psychologist by training, said, and added, “Spiritually, we’re supporting people with prayers and pastoral visits. The Bishop and Priests have convened meetings and visits to show solidarity and provide care to those affected.”

He continued, “We are also reaching out to other partners and well-wishers to help our people rebuild their lives.”

“We’ve been offering psychosocial assistance, encouraging people not to give up hope. This is not the end of life; there is always hope on the horizon,” the JDPC Director in Maiduguri Diocese, who doubles as the Director of the Mental Health and Psychological Support at Salama Centre in the Nigerian Diocese said.

The situation has a long-term psychological impact on the victim, he said, and added, “The physical damage may heal, but the psychological and spiritual wounds can linger. People are experiencing anxiety, fear, and despair.”

“We are organizing group and individual counselling sessions and expanding to include tele-counselling. We need more resources, more staff, more trained counsellors to reach as many people as possible,” he said.

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The Diocese is also seeking additional resources to continue and expand its trauma-healing efforts. 

“There are volunteers willing to help, but even they need support – transportation, stipends for meals, and other logistical needs,” Fr. Bature said, and added, “We need more resources to reach more people, especially in remote areas.”

The floods have also impacted church infrastructure, with some churches damaged or destroyed, he said, adding, “Churches, like homes, have been affected. Rebuilding efforts will require both local and international support.”

“A large portion of the Diocese has been affected. The flood in Maiduguri gained attention due to its scale, but we’ve had serious flooding in other areas like Madagali in Adamawa State,” he said. 

Fr. Bature explained that the floods have compounded existing hardships for people already struggling with economic instability and recovering from years of insecurity.

“The situation is tough for our people. Many have lost their means of survival, and they’re dealing with overwhelming questions and very little hope,” he said.

While the government has made promises of aid, Fr. Bature expressed concern about whether the assistance would reach the neediest.  

“The government has issued warnings and made promises, but the way things work in this country, it’s often difficult for help to reach people,” he said, and added, “Not everyone will be able to recover everything they’ve lost.”

Abah Anthony John is a Nigerian Journalist with great enthusiasm and interest for Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication from Benue State University, Makurdi, Benue State Nigeria. He has vast experience in Print,  Electronic and Multi-Media Production.