The International Committee of The Red Cross (ICRC) has reported over 24,000 persons missing across Nigeria, with a significant number of those reports coming from the North-east.
Lillian Dube, the Head of the ICRC’s sub-delegation in Maiduguri, revealed these figures during an event commemorating the World Day of Disappeared Persons.
She noted that the data was collected in partnership with the Nigeria Red Cross Society (NRCS), emphasizing that the ongoing conflict, particularly in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states, has significantly contributed to the high number of missing persons.
Dube stated, “We have documented 24,025 people as missing, which likely represents only a small portion of the actual number.” She further highlighted that more than half of the missing were children at the time of their disappearance. Out of these cases, 492 have been resolved, and 1,364 families have received information about the fate of their missing relatives.
The ICRC and NRCS are currently tracking 618 children who remain separated from their families. Dube mentioned that four children who were either separated or unaccompanied have been successfully reunited with their families.
To help reconnect separated family members, the ICRC has facilitated the exchange of 1,286 messages, including those from detainees, and arranged seven phone calls.
Dube also noted that over 600 families affected by the disappearance of their loved ones have received support through the ICRC’s accompaniment program, which provides psychosocial, economic, legal, and administrative assistance to help them cope with the emotional and psychological impact.
To prevent further separations, the ICRC has raised awareness on staying connected with family members during crises through various channels, such as radio broadcasts, posters, leaflets, and social media.
Dube added that 8,788 names of missing persons have been announced on the radio and in communities, encouraging anyone with information to reach out to families who are searching for their loved ones.
