No fewer than 24,000 people have been declared missing in Nigeria since 2014, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has said.
Head of Sub-Delegation of the ICRC Maiduguri Field Office, Diana Japaridza, disclosed this during an event to mark the International Day of the Disappeared yesterday in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The day, recognised by the United Nations and observed every 30 August, is dedicated to victims of enforced disappearances and their families.
According to Japaridza, the figure recorded in Nigeria represents the ICRC’s highest caseload in Africa and “likely represents only a fraction of the total number of persons missing in the country.”
She explained that the cases have been documented since 2014, when the conflict in the northeast peaked, stressing that more than half of those missing were children at the time they disappeared.
“The disappearance of loved ones disrupts the fabric of communities, hinders reconciliation, and impedes social and economic progress,” she said. “The weight of this issue often falls on the shoulders of the families, who tirelessly seek answers throughout their lifetimes.”
She further noted that, globally, more than 284,000 people were registered as missing by the end of 2024 with the Family Links Network of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
While expressing solidarity with Nigerian families of the missing, Japaridza urged authorities and communities to acknowledge their plight.
“Today, many families are still living in uncertainty, causing agony and unspeakable suffering. We hope that today’s gathering helps authorities, communities, and society-at-large acknowledge your plight. As we commemorate the International Day of the Disappeared, let us pledge to continue standing together, weaving stories of remembrance and resilience until every missing person’s story finds its ending.”
Also speaking at the event, Borno State Commissioner for Education, Lawal Wakilbe, commiserated with affected families and assured them of government support. Represented by Hajiya Zainab Mustapha, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Babagana Zulum on Education, Wakilbe encouraged families not to lose faith.
He said: “We deeply share in your pain and agony regarding the loss of your beloved ones. I reassure you of the Ministry’s full support in the event of any needs. I also call on families to continue to pray for God’s intervention towards the reappearance of the missing persons and possible reunion with their families.”
The commemorative event, organised by the ICRC Maiduguri Field Office, brought together families of missing persons, humanitarian actors, and government representatives to reflect on the plight of victims and their loved ones.
