The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) says it is resolutely committed toward addressing the plight of missing persons and will continue to show solidarity with their families.
It also vowed to step up advocacy for the rights of the disappeared, as well as efforts to search for missing persons and obtain answers.
Fatima Ibrahim, the deputy head of ICRC Mubi, Adamawa, expressed commitment at the commemoration of the 2024 International Day of the Disappeared (IDoD) on Friday in Yola.
IDoD is commemorated annually on Aug. 30 to draw attention to the fate of missing individuals imprisoned at places and under poor conditions unknown to their relatives.
Ms Ibrahim, who was represented by the field officer family links ICRC, Precious Yaro, said the day gave the organisation an opportunity to stand in solidarity with those affected by armed conflict and to commemorate their missing relatives.
She, however, said several people continued to get missing due to the ongoing armed conflict that began more than a decade ago in the North-East.
“In the country, over 24,000 persons have been registered missing by their families; this statistics only scratches the surface of the true extent of the issue.
“Today we must remember that an untold number of families in Nigeria are searching for a missing loved one.
“The pain induced by the uncertainty of the fate and whereabouts of missing persons puts families through immense difficulties of emotional, psychological, economic and psychosocial needs.
“We want the families to know that they are not alone, their loved ones are not forgotten, and we will continue to do our utmost to help obtain answers they deserve,” she said.
Edgar Amos, chief of staff to the Adamawa state governor, commended the ICRC for identifying with the plight and supporting families of missing persons in the state.
Mr Amos acknowledged the sufferings that families go through in search of their loved ones, especially after losing persons who were the breadwinners of their families.
He appealed to ICRC to conduct more research and studies that would unveil the factors which lead to the disappearance of persons.
“This day gives us an opportunity to empathise and support families of the disappeared.
“I urge ICRC to conduct more studies to know the factors that lead to the disappearance of people and to design strategies and measures to prevent those factors,” Mr Amos said.
He reiterated the state government’s commitment toward continuous investment in security agencies geared towards providing adequate security, peacebuilding and conflict resolution in the state.
Grace Mamza, state coordinator, National Human Rights Commission(NHRC) Yola, said the day created more awareness to the brutal fate of disappeared individuals and the consequences on their loved ones.
Ms Mamza, represented by the senior investigation officer NHRC, Morrison Godfrey, reaffirmed the commitment of the organisation to first uphold the right to trust, justice and reparation for the victims of enforced disappearances.
“Secondly, investigate heinous acts, ensuring accountability and bringing hope to those seeking answers; and thirdly, support families and loved ones in their quest for justice,” she said.
Also speaking, Sadiya Abubakar, vice chairman for missing persons in Adamawa, appreciated ICRC and other stakeholders for their support toward its members.
Ms Abubakar highlighted the various support groups initiated by the organisation in various parts of the state.
She said that the training received from ICRC had been impactful and encouraging for each member with missing relatives.
The highlight of the event was the presentation by families of missing persons and prayers by clerics.
(NAN)
