Over 23,000 Nigerians Still Missing: Government Calls for More Efficient Mechanism
The Nigerian federal government recently revealed that more than 23,000 citizens remain missing under various circumstances, including insurgency, kidnapping, and other unfortunate incidents. Speaking at an event to mark the International Day of the Disappeared, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, highlighted the urgent need for a more efficient mechanism to address this concerning situation.
During the event hosted by the National Human Rights Commission, Minister Betta Edu emphasized that the exact number of missing individuals in Nigeria is yet to be determined. However, the figures reported by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) are alarming. Over the past decade, these organizations have registered more than 25,000 missing persons as a consequence of the insurgency in the North East alone. Astonishingly, this represents half of all missing persons in Africa.
Edu, represented by Director of Humanitarian Affairs, Ali Grema, acknowledged that the current statistics may only scratch the surface of a much larger problem. To address the issue effectively, she stressed the necessity of enhancing the reporting and forensic tracing of missing people. This calls for a more robust and efficient system, capable of accurately determining the number of individuals who have gone missing in the country.
In Nigeria, it’s reported that in less than a decade, more than 25,000 persons are registered as missing by ICRC and the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) as a result of the insurgency in the North East. This represents half the number of missing persons in the whole of Africa.
Today, over 23,000 persons are still missing. However, it is likely that this is just a tip of the iceberg as a more efficient mechanism is needed to improve the reporting and forensically trace cases of missing persons. To date, the exact number of people going missing in the country is not yet determined.
The International Committee of the Red Cross Nigeria Delegation, headed by Yann Bonzon, brought attention to the anguish faced by families of missing persons. These families are left in a state of constant worry and uncertainty regarding the fate and whereabouts of their loved ones.
It is imperative that Nigeria takes immediate action to strengthen its mechanisms for addressing missing persons. The government intends to ensure the domestication of international treaties and instruments through a comprehensive whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach. These actions will enhance Nigeria’s ability to effectively and efficiently deal with the pressing issue of missing persons.
With thousands of Nigerians still unaccounted for, it is crucial to establish a coordinated effort between government agencies, security institutions, and civil society organizations. By optimizing reporting procedures and implementing advanced forensic techniques, the country can hope to bring closure to the families of the missing and shed light on their fate.
The government’s call for a more efficient mechanism to combat the issue of missing Nigerians resonates with the urgent need to address this humanitarian crisis. By prioritizing the domestication of international agreements and forging a collaborative approach, Nigeria aims to confront the problem head-on, offering hope and support to the affected families.
