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Homicide survivors require therapy to avoid trauma, depression – Psychologists

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Mental health experts have stated that witnesses and survivors of gruesome killings are at risk of anxiety and depression, and therefore require therapy to navigate the complex and traumatic experience.

They also noted that persons who repeatedly watch videos of shootings and violent happenings could suffer acute trauma, consequently leading to substance abuse.

The psychologists urged survivors and witnesses to undergo therapy and receive counselling from mental health experts to help them heal from the trauma caused by the event.

The American Psychological Association also highlights counselling, safe communication with children, and mental health support for survivors and witnesses of killings.

In September, about 15 vigilantes and hunters were killed when gunmen invaded the Oke-Ode Community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. In June, over 200 people were killed in the Yelwata area of Benue State, leaving hospitals and medical personnel overwhelmed with taking care of the wounded.

One of the survivors of the Kwara attack, Mrs Gbemisola Muhammed, also known as Yéyé Oge, the widow of a slain hunter, told The PUNCH she considered suicide after losing her husband and relatives to the attack.

Although videos of killings circulating on the internet are not new, the recent rise in gruesome incidents within and outside the country, with clips often shared widely online, emphasises the need for mental health awareness and care, experts say.

The recent viral circulation of graphic videos showing the fatal shooting of American conservative activist Charlie Kirk further highlights the hidden dangers of repeatedly watching such footage and the need for mental health care.

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Kirk, 31, was fatally shot on September 10, 2025, while delivering a lecture at Utah Valley University in the United States.

The disturbing video of the incident, which captured the exact moment of impact, quickly flooded social media platforms.

The psychologists cautioned that replaying violent clips and constant exposure to such distressing scenes can lead to trauma, anxiety, emotional numbness or depression.

Speaking with PUNCH Healthwise, a clinical psychologist, Dr Afolabi Aroyewun, has warned that repeatedly watching violent videos, including shootings, can trigger acute trauma, depression, anxiety, substance abuse and even suicidal thoughts among viewers.

Aroyewun, a senior lecturer at the Department of Psychology, University of Lagos, Akoka, said both direct witnesses and those who view such clips are at risk of “acute psychological trauma” with far-reaching consequences.

He said, “Watching someone shoot another person and seeing the victim drop dead triggers acute trauma. It can lead to survivor’s guilt, hypervigilance, emotional detachment, over-processing of the event, and ultimately depression or anxiety. Some viewers may turn to substance abuse to cope with the unresolved trauma, while others develop suicidal ideation.”

The psychologist added that research abroad has shown a 25–30 per cent spike in the use of antidepressants after school shootings, underlining how violence leaves deep psychological scars on communities.

“Young people who have watched such violence often feel unsafe and hopeless,” he said.

Aroyewun further noted that beyond mental health impacts, repeated exposure to graphic violence could affect school performance and life outcomes.

“You start to see increased absenteeism, school dropouts, and poor academic results. Some of these young people end up struggling to maintain jobs or earn decent wages because their education has been disrupted,” he said.

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He warned that entire communities also suffer collective trauma, grief, fear and mistrust when violence becomes frequent or widely shared online.

The psychologist urged families and communities to “come out clean” about the emotional and behavioural changes they notice in loved ones exposed to violent events or content to ensure they get the needed help.

“In this part of the world, we don’t see mental health issues as a serious issue. That’s because in Africa, anything we do not understand, we claim to be spiritual. So that’s the issue, but this time around, we need to come out clean for us to get the proper help,” he said.

Also, the Head of Clinical Psychology at Intersect Consortium, Dr Alexander Agara, emphasised the need for counselling for survivors.

“Some people have strong coping skills, and some don’t, but the truth is, they need therapy. If they have adequate psychotherapy, that would at least help prevent flashbacks of the traumatic experiences they have had.

“This would help to stabilise them and prevent it from leading to post-traumatic stress disorder,” Agara said.

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Declare Your Lineage – Royal Family Tells Musician KWAM 1 Over His Interest In Becoming Next Awujale Of Ijebuland

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December 7, 2025

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KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

The Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode, next in line to produce the new Awujale of Ijebuland, Ogun State, has instructed Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, to confirm his family’s royal lineage to validate his membership in the ruling house.

KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

KWAM 1 also stated that his candidacy aligns with Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.

In an interview with Punch, the Chairman of the ruling house and former National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Abdulateef Owoyemi, said only bonafide members of the family would be allowed to participate in the selection process.

Owoyemi explained that KWAM 1, Olori Omooba of Ijebu land and others interested in the stool have been directed to complete the Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form.

According to him, the form, which requires contenders to trace their genealogy back seven generations, ensures that only genuine princes from the family can participate, thereby blocking “strangers” from claiming the throne.

He said, “The first step for anyone interested in contesting for the Awujale throne is to declare their lineage by filling the standard Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form. Once confirmed as a legitimate member of the ruling house, they can then apply for the expression of interest form.

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“We have told him, just like everyone else interested in the Awujale throne, that the first step is to declare his lineage. He will do this by completing the royal lineage data form, showing his full name, which parent and grandparent he descends from, and continuing up to seven generations.

“The completed form will be signed and submitted to the head of the ruling house unit of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, who will affirm that he is a genuine member. Only then will the process move forward.”

Owoyemi emphasised that although the application window for the throne officially closed on December 5, KWAM 1 had been given a five-day extension, which would lapse on December 10.

He noted, “We won’t shut anybody out of picking the next Awujale, but we must ensure that you are a legitimate member of Fusengbuwa. Every right comes with responsibilities. For a royal family, everyone must prove their legitimacy by completing the royal lineage data form.

“When we receive the form, we will review it meticulously. If clarification is needed, we will contact the applicant. We welcome men of influence who will use their influence to enhance the throne, not to claim it, ensuring that what truly belongs to our family is preserved.”

Owoyemi explained that the local government has given them 14 days to select candidates, and the ruling house hopes to have a new Awujale by the second or third week of January 2026.

He added, “The local government has given us 14 days to select candidates, which expires on December 18. After that, the kingmakers have seven days to deliberate and choose one candidate, whose name will be forwarded to the governor.

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“Legally, the government then has 21 days to conduct background checks and security clearance, allowing for objections or protests. After this period, the State Executive Council will ratify the nominee, and the governor will announce the next Awujale, after which coronation rites will commence.

“So, combining the candidate selection, kingmakers’ deliberation, and legal objection period, we are looking at around 42 days. Therefore, we expect the next Awujale to emerge between the second and third week of January.”

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VIDEO: I’m Married But Not In My Husband’s House; I Didn’t Have The Experience Of Living Happily Ever After – Singer Shola Allyson Reveals

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December 7, 2025

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While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sola Allyson, the popular Nigerian gospel singer, has revealed that she is not currently living with her husband.

The musician made this known in her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV.

While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sharing her marital experience, the singer said she has never enjoyed the kind of happiness many people describe.

“I’m married, but I’m not in my husband’s house. We live separately. He in his house and I in mine.”

The interviewer asked: “You sang ‘Eji Owuro’, did you experience genuine love from your husband?

She replied, “We lied before. Those older than us didn’t inform us that it’s tough. They made us believe that so long as you both love each other, you will live happily ever after, but it’s a lie.

“That’s not the experience I have. I didn’t have the experience of living happily ever after. I did all I could to make it work.

“Marriage has been a big challenge. I hear people talk about joy in marriage, but I have never experienced it.”

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VIDEO: Shola Allyson Finally Opens Up, Reveals Why She Does Not Reference Jesus In Her Songs

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6 hours ago

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December 7, 2025

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Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Shola Allyson, the renowned Nigerian songstress, has opened up on the real reason she avoids mentioning the name of Jesus in all her songs.

Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Reacting to her critics in a post on X, the songstress stated that “No one can bully me into joining their darkness that looks like light because indolent souls find comfort in it”.

Finally revealing her reason for not mentioning Jesus in her songs, Shola Allyson on Saturday during her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV, stated that Jesus did not ask her to do PR for him.

She said “I’m not a religious singer. As I am, I have never introduced myself as a gospel singer. My name is Shola Allyson. I’m a singer”.

Interviewer; “Some people said you don’t mention ‘Jesus’ name’ in all your songs”.

She quickly responded “Jesus did not instruct us to mention his name in songs nor did Jesus ask us to do PR for Him”.

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