Nigeria's security system is not functioning properly, with families continually losing relatives due to armed conflicts, natural disasters, abductions, migration, and financial rituals. President Bola Tinubu and the security organizations need to implement strong measures to address this issue.
A recent study from the International Committee of the Red Cross indicates that more than 23,659 individuals from Nigeria are unaccounted for, causing deep sorrow for 13,595 families.
Yobe State alone has 2,500 cases, with the greatest number of infections reported in Gujba Local Government Area.
Ishaku Luka, the ICRC's Team Leader for the Protection of Family Links in Damaturu, mentioned during the International Day of the Disappeared that 59% of those who went missing were children, while 68% of the families seeking information are women—figures that are deeply concerning.
In 2023, Save the Children stated that over 1,680 students were taken from schools in Nigeria, with events occurring in Dapchi, Jangebe, Tegina, and Kankara. The Inter-agency Network for Education in Emergencies recorded 70 assaults on educational institutions between February 2014 and December 2022, leading to the abduction of 1,683 pupils.
The Nigeria Missing Persons Platform reported in 2024 that Nigeria represents more than 50 per cent of missing individuals across Africa.
No area is exempt; each day brings the unfortunate news of kidnappings and murders of residents. In September, media outlets reported that 102 lives were lost due to attacks and retaliatory actions in Borno, Sokoto, Edo, and Katsina states.
These are alarming numbers that ought to awaken the government, whose main responsibility is to ensure public safety, to implement decisive actions against the threat.
These concerning figures should urge the government—primarily responsible for public safety—to implement immediate and impactful actions against this threat. Each disappearance weakens both the government and the nation.
It is disappointing that multiple governments have been unable to address an ongoing conflict that began in 2009. Nevertheless, the Tinubu administration needs to show real political commitment, utilizing modern technology and intelligence to tackle instability and bring back peace.
Identifying individuals who have gone missing should not pose significant challenges in an era dominated by technology. The government needs to utilize appropriate intelligence and work together with relevant and nearby authorities to locate the missing individuals and provide support to the distressed families.
Several nations send military personnel and supplies to locate a single missing national. In 2020, the United States sent its special forces to rescue Philip Walton, 27, who was taken from his house in Niger State.
President Donald Trump had happily stated, "Last night, following my instructions, the U.S. military carried out a successful mission to free an American captive in Nigeria, who had been taken just 96 hours prior."
Supporting Trump, the former US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, stated, "We will never leave any American who is held captive behind." This is true leadership.
In Nigeria, women and children are abducted, subjected to sexual violence, forced into slavery, coerced into unwanted marriages, and even murdered. Would the government maintain this degree of indifference if wealthy individuals were involved?
The compassion demonstrated by American leaders towards their citizens is the reason "God bless America" is frequently spoken.
On the other hand, the indifference of Nigeria's leaders towards the safety and well-being of their people leads to a large-scale disconnection from national concerns, such as voter inaction and disregard for public facilities. This enhances the sense of despair among Nigerians regarding their nation.
Hostages and fatalities flourish as those responsible and their orchestrators remain at large. The government should apprehend and bring them to trial to discourage others.
Each abduction serves as a bleak reminder that hundreds of thousands of missing individuals are still under the control of non-state groups — a blemish on the government's track record.
Tinubu should emulate Trump's approach by providing explicit directives to security organizations to locate all missing Nigerians. He needs to develop and put into action a strong plan to protect the lives of his fellow citizens.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
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