900 Families of Missing Persons Laud ICRC’s Efforts to Trace Their 284,000 Loved Ones

From Umar Dankano, Yola

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has held its 4th International Conference for 900 families of missing persons across 50 countries, rekindling their hopes of being reunited with over 284,000 missing loved ones globally.

During the three-day global conference conducted through virtual hubs, the ICRC provided a platform where families of missing persons shared their traumatic experiences and discussed issues surrounding disappearances, while expressing belief that they would one day reunite with their yet-to-be-discovered relatives.

Speaking at the Mubi hub in Adamawa State yesterday, the Head of Sub-delegation, ICRC Mubi, Francesca Piccin, described the conference as one of the most remarkable projects of the ICRC, adding that Nigeria remains one of the most significant contexts.

Piccin stressed that the conference was created in response to the pleas of families of missing persons. She noted that Nigeria has the highest number of missing persons in Africa, with 24,000 cases recorded in the ICRC’s register so far, even though the actual figure is believed to be higher.

She added that the pain and trauma experienced by the families were shared with a collective purpose—to motivate them to remain hopeful in their search to be reunited with their missing loved ones.

Piccin expressed dismay over violations of international humanitarian laws and treaties signed by countries, describing them as contributors to armed conflicts across the world. She regretted the carelessness and disregard shown by some nations toward these regulations.

She reiterated the importance of these laws and reminded signatories to rise to the occasion to improve the safety and well-being of people during crises, appealing for a change of approach.

“This cause is not limited to any territory, people, or religion. It can affect anyone. Humanity must recognize the condition of disappearance as a problem that demands a global response, and all states have a duty to protect anyone on their territory from any adverse situation,” Piccin stressed.

In her remarks, the ICRC Protection Field Officer, Precious Binta Yaro, explained that the virtual meeting aimed at boosting the morale of families of missing persons, assuring them that they are not alone in their predicament.

Yaro said the platform exposed and motivated them to reach out to authorities to advocate for their needs and rights, while enabling them to understand that others across the globe share similar concerns and challenges.

She further revealed that with the training, the families have now established an association, which they plan to register with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) for legal backing to manage their activities diligently.

Sharing her traumatic experience, Hajiya Binta Sabo Mubi recounted how her beloved mother went missing in 2014 when Boko Haram insurgents attacked Mubi town, forcing residents to flee for safety.

Sabo Mubi recalled that she was in Kaduna when the incident occurred but took the risk of returning to Mubi to search for her missing son and mother. While her son was eventually found in a village, her mother remains missing.

She applauded the ICRC’s efforts in the search for loved ones and expressed gratitude for the support the organization has provided.

In their separate accounts, Rejoice Enock Pakka and Yahaya Hamidu Mubi, who spoke on the disappearance of their 25-year-old and 35-year-old family members respectively, described the conference as an eye-opener. They noted that their cases appeared mild compared to what they saw during the virtual meeting, where families from 50 countries shared their stories.

They expressed renewed strength and hope that they would one day reunite with their missing relatives if alive, while appreciating the ICRC for restoring their hope.

“We appeal to the global media to hear us and amplify our voice; to human rights organizations and civil society groups to join the cause and support the families of missing persons; and to governments that can establish legal frameworks, create public policies that raise awareness in society, with events and places of remembrance for the missing, as well as search tools and platforms where we can participate in the process.

“This cause is not limited to any territory, people, or religion. It can affect anyone. Humanity must recognize disappearance as a global problem demanding a global response. All states have a duty to protect anyone on their territory from any adverse situation that could lead to disappearance. Likewise, it is necessary to strengthen and support international non-governmental and humanitarian organizations that represent and work alongside families.

“It is essential to support and protect families in their search. Today we live with memories and hope. Listen and share our voice! Join us in the search for a solution. Together we will be stronger; together, we can make a difference!” they advocated.

Our Correspondent, who attended the conference via Zoom (virtual), reported the warm enthusiasm and nostalgic emotions that enveloped participants across the globe as they shared their stories, with many expressing unquantifiable appreciation to the ICRC for the thought-provoking engagement.