The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has reported that 24,025 individuals are currently missing in Nigeria, with the majority originating from the Northeast region.
The longstanding Boko Haram conflict, which has endured for more than a decade, has notably impacted the states of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe.
During an event held in Maiduguri to commemorate the World Day of Disappeared Persons, Lillian Dube, the Head of the ICRC’s sub-delegation office, disclosed that these cases were meticulously documented in collaboration with the Nigeria Red Cross Society (NRCS).
Dube highlighted, “We have officially registered 24,025 individuals as missing, a figure that likely represents merely a fraction of the total number. Notably, more than half of these cases involved minors at the time of their disappearance.”
Furthermore, she revealed that 492 cases have been resolved, and 1,364 families have received clarifications regarding the fate of their missing relatives.
Presently, 618 unaccompanied and separated children who are still searching for their families are under the close supervision of the ICRC and NRCS. Dube emphasized the successful reunification of four children with their families, who were previously separated or unaccompanied minors.
The ICRC has facilitated the exchange of 1,286 messages, including those from individuals in detention, to help re-establish contact between separated family members. Additionally, seven phone calls have been arranged to aid in reconnecting families.
Dube noted that over 600 families have benefited from the ICRC’s accompaniment program, receiving psychosocial, economic, legal, and administrative support to address the emotional and psychological impact of their missing loved ones.
The Head of the ICRC’s sub-delegation office highlighted the widespread dissemination of messages on preventing separations through various mediums such as radio broadcasts, posters, leaflets, and social media. These efforts aim to raise awareness about the significance of staying connected with family members during times of uncertainty.
She however mentioned that 8,788 names of missing persons have been broadcasted on the radio and announced in communities, encouraging anyone with relevant information to reach out to family members who are searching for them.
