900 Families Praise ICRC’s Global Effort to Trace 284,000 Missing Loved Ones
From Umar Dankano, Yola
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has rekindled hope for families of missing persons worldwide as it convened its 4th International Conference, bringing together 900 families from 50 countries to share experiences and strengthen their resolve in the search for over 284,000 missing loved ones.
The three-day global conference, held through virtual hubs including one in Mubi, Adamawa State, provided an emotional and supportive platform for families to recount their ordeals, discuss challenges surrounding disappearances, and renew their commitment to pursuing answers about their missing relatives.
Speaking at the Mubi hub, Francesca Piccin, Head of the ICRC Sub-Delegation in Mubi, described the initiative as one of the organization’s most remarkable global projects, noting that Nigeria remains one of the most significant contexts of disappearances.
She disclosed that Nigeria currently has the highest number of missing persons in Africa, with 24,000 cases registered though the real figure is believed to be much higher.Piccin explained that the conference was a direct response to years of pleas from families seeking recognition, support, and renewed efforts to trace their loved ones.
She emphasized that the pain and trauma endured by families must be acknowledged globally, adding that many disappearances stem from violations of international humanitarian laws.
She urged countries to uphold the treaties they signed, stressing that protecting civilians during conflicts must remain a global priority.
“This cause is not limited to any territory, people, or religion. It can affect anyone,” she said, calling for a unified global response and stronger protection mechanisms.
ICRC Protection Field Officer, Precious Binta Yaro, added that the virtual engagement aimed to uplift families and assure them they are not alone.
She revealed that participants are now working to establish an association that will be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to legally represent their interests.
Several participants shared deeply emotional accounts, including Hajiya Binta Sabo Mubi, who has been searching for her mother since the 2014 Boko Haram attack on Mubi.
Others, such as Rejoice Enock Pakka and Yahaya Hamidu, said hearing stories from across 50 countries strengthened their resilience and renewed their belief that reunion is still possible.
They collectively appealed to global media, human rights groups, civil society, and governments to support their cause, create awareness frameworks, and establish search mechanisms that include families as active participants.
Their message was clear: “Listen and share our voice. Join us in the search for a solution. Together, we will be stronger.
”Our correspondent, who monitored the conference via Zoom, observed the emotional exchanges and overwhelming gratitude expressed by families toward the ICRC for sustaining hope in their long, painful journeys.
