The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has revealed that approximately 24,000 individuals, predominantly children, have been reported missing in Nigeria as of June 2024.
This alarming figure, according to the ICRC, represents just a fraction of the actual number of missing persons in the country.
Patrick Youssef, ICRC’s regional director for Africa, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in observance of the International Day of the Disappeared, themed “We Who Remain Behind Remember.”
The day, observed annually on August 30, is dedicated to raising awareness of the plight of missing persons, honoring their memory, and alleviating the emotional distress of their families.
Youssef further highlighted that over 71,000 people have been registered as missing across Africa, marking a staggering 75 percent increase from 40,708 in 2019.
He noted that Africa now holds the highest caseload of missing persons globally, including the largest number of unaccompanied children and the highest number of family reunifications.
“The issue of missing persons, including those forcibly disappeared, remains one of the most damaging and long-lasting humanitarian consequences of armed conflicts and other situations of violence,” Youssef stated.
“Behind every missing person, there are countless more suffering from anguish and uncertainty. It’s a humanitarian tragedy for families, with consequences that ripple across society.”
In Nigeria’s northeastern states of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe, the Red Cross has been at the forefront of efforts to reconnect families torn apart by armed conflict.
Volunteers have been delivering Red Cross messages to help families restore contact with their lost loved ones.
Additionally, the ICRC has provided mental health support, legal advice, and financial assistance to affected families.
Youssef called for a more robust international response to the crisis of missing persons.
He emphasized the need for political will to secure the resources required to address the issue effectively, including enhanced cooperation between national authorities and across borders.
“In armed conflict, both civilians and combatants go missing. They can go missing when they are arrested, captured, detained, or held incommunicado.
They may be alive but simply do not have the means to contact their relatives,” Youssef explained. He noted that while some authorities may lack the resources or knowledge to address the issue, the ICRC and national societies could play a pivotal role in bridging these gaps.
Source : The Cable
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