THE stark reality that over 24,000 people are missing in Nigeria is not just a statistic—it is a deeply unsettling reflection of the country’s growing insecurity and the humanitarian crisis that has gripped the nation. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) recently revealed that it has registered more than 71,000 missing persons across Africa as of June 2024, with Nigeria accounting for a significant portion of this tragic number. The implications are far-reaching, affecting not only the immediate families of the missing but also the social fabric of a nation struggling with multiple crises.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, has been grappling with escalating insecurity for over a decade. The insurgency led by Boko Haram in the northeastern region, banditry in the northwest, herder-farmer conflicts in the central region, and the security crisis in the East has created a volatile environment where thousands have been displaced, abducted, or forcibly disappeared. According to the ICRC’s Regional Director for Africa, Mr Patrick Youssef, the number of missing persons registered across Africa represents a 75 per cent increase from 2019, underscoring the worsening situation.
In Nigeria, insecurity is fueled by a complex interplay of factors, including poverty, unemployment, ethnic and religious tensions, and weak governance. The government’s inability to provide adequate security has emboldened criminal groups, leading to the kidnapping of civilians for ransom, human trafficking, and other forms of violence. Behind every missing person is a family plunged into a harrowing experience of anguish and uncertainty. The disappearance of a loved one is not just an individual tragedy but a humanitarian crisis that reverberates across society. The psychological toll on families is immense, as they are left in a perpetual state of limbo, unsure whether to mourn or hope.
Children are particularly vulnerable in this crisis. According to the ICRC, more than half of the missing persons in Nigeria were children at the time of their disappearance. These children are often abducted by armed groups, separated from their families during violent attacks, or lost during forced migrations. The trauma inflicted on these young lives is profound, leading to long-term psychological issues, interrupted education, and a disrupted sense of identity and belonging.
Compounding the insecurity in Nigeria is the disturbing rise in ritual killings, driven by a twisted belief that human sacrifice can bring wealth or political power. This growing trend, particularly for monetary gain, has further fueled the disappearance crisis. In many parts of Nigeria, especially in the southern regions, there have been numerous reports of people, including children, being abducted and killed for ritual purposes. This heinous practice is rooted in a mix of superstition, desperation, and the erosion of moral values in a society plagued by poverty and inequality. As economic conditions worsen and unemployment rises, more individuals are turning to occult practices as a desperate means of acquiring wealth. The complicity of some traditional leaders and the failure of law enforcement agencies to crack down on these practices have only emboldened perpetrators, creating an environment where human life is devalued.
Another factor contributing to the rising number of missing persons in Nigeria is the increasing trend of irregular migration. As economic conditions deteriorate and insecurity mounts, more Nigerians, particularly the youth, are seeking to escape the country in search of better opportunities abroad. However, the journey to Europe through illegal channels is fraught with dangers, including human trafficking, exploitation, and death. Many migrants fall victim to unscrupulous traffickers who promise safe passage to Europe but instead subject them to inhumane conditions, forced labour, and sexual exploitation. Others perish in the harsh conditions of the Sahara Desert or drown in the Mediterranean Sea. Those who survive often lose contact with their families, becoming part of the growing number of missing persons in the process.
Under international humanitarian law, state authorities have the primary responsibility to clarify the fate and whereabouts of missing persons. However, the Nigerian government has often been criticized for its lack of resources, knowledge, and political will to effectively address the issue. The absence of a centralized database for missing persons, inadequate search and rescue operations, and the slow pace of judicial processes have all contributed to the crisis.
Addressing the crisis of missing persons in Nigeria requires a multifaceted approach that tackles the root causes of insecurity, ritual killings, and irregular migration. First and foremost, the Nigerian government must prioritize security by strengthening the capacity of law enforcement agencies, improving intelligence gathering, and enhancing community policing. There must also be a concerted effort to address the socio-economic drivers of insecurity, including poverty, unemployment, and inequality.
In addition, there is a need for greater public awareness and education on the dangers of ritual killings and the fallacies surrounding them. Religious and traditional leaders must be engaged in a campaign to debunk the myths associated with human sacrifice and to promote the sanctity of human life. To curb irregular migration, the government should invest in job creation, vocational training, and entrepreneurship programs that provide viable alternatives for the youth. International partnerships should also be strengthened to combat human trafficking networks and to ensure safe and legal migration pathways.
Finally, there must be a more determined international effort to prevent and respond to the issue of missing persons. This includes enhancing cooperation between state authorities, both at the national level and across borders, to improve search and rescue operations, provide support to families, and ensure accountability for those responsible for disappearances.
