284,000 people missing globally, Nigeria represents 24,000 – ICRC

… half of the cases of Nigeria involve children

… Borno Govt engaged support for affected families

At least 284,000 people were declared missing all over the world, revealed the International Red Cross Committee (ICRC), warning that the figure represents one of the most painful humanitarian crises of modern times.

The head of the sub-delegation of the office of the Campo di Maiduguri del Cicr, Diana Japaridza, revealed it on Saturday in Maiduguri during an event to celebrate the international day of the disappearance, put aside every year on August 30 by the United Nations.

Japaridza said that Nigeria represents about 24,000 active cases of disappeared people, the highest in Africa, most of whom was linked to the persistent conflict in the north-east which increased in 2014.

“More than half of those who were missing in Nigeria were children at the time of their disappearance,” he said.

He described the situation as “devastating and lasting”, underlining that the disappearance of his loved ones “interrupts the fabric of the communities, hinders reconciliation and prevents social and economic progress”.

According to her, many of the missing can never be found, leaving families trapped in uncertainty and pain.

“All over the world, hundreds of thousands of individuals are missing. Many never come back and families are shattered, looking for infinity responses,” said Japaridza.

The CICC official observed that the figure of 24,000 in Nigeria probably represents only a fraction of the real number of people who are not accounted for, since many cases remain not reported.

He urged the authorities and communities to show a greater commitment to recognizing the difficult situation of affected families.

In the meantime, the commissioner for the education of the State of Borno, Lawan Wakilbe, represented by Hajiya Zainab Mustapha, a Senior Senior Assistant of the Governor Babagana Zulum on education, commented on the families of the missing and have ensured them the support of the government.

“We deeply share your pain and agony. The state government will continue to be with you and will provide assistance where necessary,” he said.

He encouraged families affected not to lose hope and continue to pray for the safe return of their loved ones.

The Maiduguri event brought together families of disappeared people, humanitarian actors and government officials to reflect on the silent suffering of the relatives of the victims and to renew the demands of stronger actions in facing the disappearances.

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