No fewer than 284,000 people have been declared missing by their families worldwide, 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 on Saturday in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The day, recognised by the United Nations and observed every August 30, is dedicated to victims of enforced disappearances and their families.
“The issue of missing people is one of the most devastating and long-lasting consequences of armed conflict and other violence, disasters and migration,” Japaridza said. “Across the world, hundreds of thousands of individuals are missing, many never return and are never heard from again, leaving families shattered and searching for answers.”
According to her, by the end of 2024, more than 284,000 people worldwide were registered as missing with the Family Links Network of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
She stressed that Nigeria accounts for a significant portion of the figures, with around 24,000 active cases of missing persons recorded since 2014, when the conflict in the northeast peaked. This, she said, is the ICRC’s highest caseload in Africa and “likely represents only a fraction of the total number of persons missing in the country.”
“More than half were children at the time they disappeared,” Japaridza added.
She noted that the disappearance of loved ones has far-reaching consequences.
“It disrupts the fabric of communities, hinders reconciliation, and impedes social and economic progress. The weight of this issue often falls on the shoulders of the families, who tirelessly seek answers throughout their lifetimes,” she said.
While expressing solidarity with families of the missing, she 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’s 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 toward 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.
