The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has reported that 24,000 individuals in Nigeria have been registered as missing, with more than half of them being children at the time of their disappearance.
This alarming statistic was revealed by Patrick Youssef, the ICRC’s Regional Director for Africa, in a statement marking the International Day of the Disappeared, observed on August 30.
Youssef highlighted the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Nigeria, particularly in the northeastern states of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe, where armed conflict has led to widespread displacement and separation of families.
Volunteers from the Nigerian Red Cross have been actively working in these regions to deliver messages from the Red Cross, reconnecting families who have lost contact with their loved ones due to the conflict.
The ICRC’s data underscores a broader crisis across Africa, where 71,000 individuals were registered as missing as of June 2024—a staggering 75% increase since 2019.
Youssef attributed this rise to prolonged armed conflicts, natural disasters, and perilous migration journeys, which have significantly contributed to the growing number of missing persons.
“Behind every missing person, there are countless others suffering from anguish and uncertainty,” Youssef said, describing the situation as a humanitarian tragedy with deep societal impacts.
He emphasized that under international humanitarian law, it is the responsibility of state authorities to clarify the fate and whereabouts of missing persons.
In Nigeria, the ICRC’s efforts include providing mental health support, legal advice, and financial assistance to families affected by the disappearance of loved ones.
Youssef noted that the 24,000 registered cases likely represent only a fraction of the true number of missing persons, underscoring the urgent need for continued efforts to address this crisis.
