The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) says more than 23,659 people remain missing in Nigeria, leaving at least 13,595 families in distress, most of them women bearing the weight of uncertainty and hardship.
This was disclosed on Sunday by Ishaku Luka, Protection of Family Links Team Leader of the ICRC in Damaturu, during activities to mark the International Day of the Disappeared.
According to Luka, 68 per cent of those still searching for answers are women, while 59 per cent of the missing were minors at the time of their disappearance. Yobe State alone accounts for about 2,500 cases, the majority from Gujba Local Government Area.
“Behind every missing person is a family living in pain, uncertainty, and economic difficulty. The anguish is compounded by legal, administrative, and psychosocial challenges. These families deserve acknowledgement, care and support,” Luka said.
He explained that disappearances are one of the most devastating consequences of armed conflict, disasters, and migration. He called on conflict parties, authorities, and communities to take stronger measures to prevent such cases.
Sharing ICRC’s efforts, Luka revealed that by June 30, 2025, the organisation had collected 451 new cases, closed 515 cases, and reunited seven separated children with their families.
“Every day, worldwide, we help reunite 20 people with their families. Every hour, we clarify the fate of two missing people. Every minute, we help four separated persons contact their loved ones,” he added.
Also speaking, Rashid Hassan, Head of ICRC Sub-delegation in Damaturu, emphasised that families of the missing should not be left alone.
“Time does not heal. Acknowledgement, answers and respect do. Families must know that their loved ones are not forgotten and their demands are heard,” Hassan stressed.
He noted that the ICRC, in partnership with the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), has provided psychosocial support, livelihood assistance, and orientation programmes for families of missing persons in Borno and Adamawa States.
Hassan further urged authorities to clarify the fate of the missing, respect the dignity of the dead, and support the economic and social needs of families. He also called on communities to show solidarity, avoid stigma, and support resilience.
Globally, the ICRC registered 94,000 new missing persons cases in 2024, bringing the worldwide total to 284,400 — though the real figure is believed to be much higher.
“As we commemorate this day, we renew our commitment to advocate for the rights of the disappeared and push for continuous efforts in searching for answers. No family should live with the torment of uncertainty,” Hassan said.
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