Family Separation: The Gravest, Most Complex Consequence of Conflict in North East – ICRC

From Alhaji Yusuf, Damaturu

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has said that family separation is one of the gravest and most complex consequences of the conflict in north-east Nigeria.

Usman K Bukar, communication Officer ICRC made this known at a one-day specialized media training workshop on conflict,held in Yobe state that took place in Damaturu,the Yobe state capital.

The training also focused on the critical issue of missing persons and separation resulting from prolonged armed conflict in the region.

He explained that the biggest challenge in finding missing persons is the lack of reliable information about their potential whereabouts.

According to him, families have the right to know the whereabouts of their loved ones under international and domestic laws.

Usman noted that,”the media can help to preserve the stories of missing persons and prevent them from being forgotten or neglected.

“It can accelerate the tracing process and provide families with answers they have been seeking for years.

“It can also highlight the challenges or gaps in institutions and advocate for adequate action”,said the ICRC communication Officer

The one-day media training brought together journalists from print and electronic organizations.