…Half of Nigeria’s cases involve children
…Borno govt pledges support for affected families
At least 284,000 people have been declared missing worldwide, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has revealed, warning that the figure represents one of the most painful humanitarian crises of modern times.
Head of Sub-Delegation of the ICRC Maiduguri Field Office, Diana Japaridza, disclosed this on Saturday in Maiduguri during an event to mark the International Day of the Disappeared, set aside annually on August 30 by the United Nations.
Japaridza said Nigeria accounts for about 24,000 active cases of missing persons, the highest in Africa, most of which were linked to the lingering conflict in the North-East that escalated in 2014.
“More than half of those missing in Nigeria were children at the time of their disappearance,” she stated.
She described the situation as “devastating and long-lasting,” stressing that the disappearance of loved ones “disrupts the fabric of communities, hinders reconciliation, and impedes social and economic progress.”
According to her, many of the missing may never be found, leaving families trapped in uncertainty and pain.
“Across the world, hundreds of thousands of individuals are missing. Many never return, and families are left shattered, searching endlessly for answers,” Japaridza said.
The ICRC official noted that the 24,000 figure in Nigeria likely represents only a fraction of the real number of people unaccounted for, as many cases remain unreported.
She urged authorities and communities to show greater commitment in recognising the plight of affected families.
Meanwhile, Borno State Commissioner for Education, Lawan Wakilbe, represented by Hajiya Zainab Mustapha, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Babagana Zulum on Education, commiserated with families of the missing and assured them of government support.
“We deeply share in your pain and agony. The state government will continue to stand with you and provide assistance where needed,” he said.
He encouraged affected families not to lose hope and to continue praying for the safe return of their loved ones.
The Maiduguri event brought together families of missing persons, humanitarian actors, and government officials to reflect on the silent suffering of victims’ relatives and to renew calls for stronger action in addressing disappearances.
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