LAGOS: Security expert, Mr Taiwo Osoba has said that combating kidnapping’s effects requires psychological support, community engagement, and policies that prevent attacks while assisting victims.
Osoba said this in an interview with newsmen on Tuesday in Lagos.
According to him, kidnapping leaves deep psychological scars on victims and disrupts family stability.
“It also contributes to a culture of fear and mistrust within society.
“Widespread fear and anxiety can grip communities, leaving people feeling vulnerable,” he said.
Osoba said: “Families and friends of victims often experience intense emotional distress, anxiety, and trauma.
“Communities may become isolated, with people restricting their movements and activities due to fear,” he told newsmen.
Osoba further explained that messages on social media were not helpful in addressing the menace, as they had created the perception among average Nigerians that the roads were no longer safe.
According to him, this has negatively affected transportation businesses and disrupted family reunions, as younger people are afraid to travel by road to visit their elderly relatives, while the elderly themselves are often too fragile to undertake long journeys.
He said victims, on the other hand, might develop symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, such as flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety.
Osoba noted that depression, feelings of hopelessness, loss of identity, anxiety disorders, difficulty trusting others, and social withdrawal were also common side effects of kidnapping on victims.
He added that these effects could be devastating, long-lasting, and significantly impact daily life for both victims and their families.
According to him, providing support and counseling to victims and their families can help alleviate these effects.
