Defence and security stakeholders have called for the establishment of dedicated trauma support centres for widows of fallen heroes, emphasising the need to provide psychological, emotional and social support to families who have lost loved ones in the line of duty.

They noted that many widows continue to face grief, trauma and economic hardship after the death of their spouses, stressing the importance of structured counselling services, rehabilitation programmes and welfare assistance to help them rebuild their lives.

According to them, setting up specialised centres across the country would not only honour the sacrifices of fallen service members but also ensure their families receive sustained care, dignity and support.

In a key note address at the Silent Heroes Coterie under the Heroes for Heroes Project, organised by Youth Ablaze in Abuja, Hussaina Bangshika, urged the federal and state governments, alongside civil society organisations, to collaborate in providing trauma support services.

The veteran broadcaster said the government must take the lead because the fallen troops died while serving the nation and protecting its territorial integrity.

“Their husbands died serving the nation. Government should therefore be the first provider and funder of these services, while other stakeholders can offer additional support,” she said.

Bangshika noted that although some support structures currently exist, they remain limited and largely short-term.

She explained that many military wives endure prolonged emotional stress while their spouses are deployed for months at a time, often living with uncertainty about their safety.

According to her, the trauma experienced by military families is cumulative and long-term, making specialised therapy essential for widows and even soldiers returning from conflict zones.

She added that although some counselling services are available in hospitals, they are insufficient due to limited facilities and trained personnel.

She therefore called for expanded and better-equipped trauma centres, including facilities outside hospitals, to ensure wider access to psychosocial care.

Bangshika also advocated free medical services for widows of fallen troops and soldiers returning from difficult operational environments.

In a goodwill message, renowned Nigerian health journalist and public health advocate, Moji Makanjuola, said no widow should be made to pay for what her husband fought and died for.

She urged the government to increase investment in the welfare of families of fallen heroes.

Chairman of the organising committee,  Lt.-Commander Ibrahim Babainna (rtd), said a nation that hopes to inspire future generations must remember the courage of those who served.

Similarly, the convener of the Heroes for Heroes Project, Dr Faith Eches, said the initiative aims to honour courage, celebrate commitment and recognise the sacrifices of individuals contributing to national development.

He added that beyond recognition, the project seeks to implement long-term programmes designed to secure the future of families of both fallen heroes and serving personnel.