Rising Killings In Bauchi Linked To Undiagnosed Mental Health Issues, Says Psychiatrist

Dr. Fawaz Babandi, a consultant psychiatrist at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) has attributed a surge in family-related killings in Bauchi to undetected mental health conditions.

LEADERSHIP Friday recalled that incidences of killing or homicide have been happening in Bauchi which are supposed to draw the attention of stakeholders for necessary action.

Dr. Babandi, while reacting to recent cases where some individuals were killed by family members over minor disputes, emphasised that many perpetrators have a history of aggression and underlying mental illnesses and are often triggered by the availability of weapons.

He highlighted warning signs such as poor sleep, internal body heat, social withdrawal, and prolonged headaches, urging early intervention to prevent violent outbursts.

Dr. Babandi criticised the government’s neglect of mental health, stressing the need for its integration into all healthcare levels, especially primary healthcare, where workers are not trained to identify or manage mental illnesses.

He urged individuals to seek help at the onset of mental health symptoms and called on families and communities to monitor vulnerable members, particularly youths struggling with substance abuse.

Stigmatization remains a major barrier to mental health treatment, the psychiatrist lamented, calling for greater societal acceptance and support.

“Mental health is everyone’s business. It can affect anyone at any time,” Dr Babandi warned.