Introduction to the Crisis
The disappearance of children due to armed conflict continues to haunt families in Adamawa, leaving many in anguish and searching desperately for answers. To mark the International Day of the Disappeared, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) organised a media trip to Mubi, Adamawa, to highlight the plight of families with missing loved ones.
The ICRC’s Efforts
Mr Lemdi Okoli, Communication Field Officer, ICRC, Mubi, said the event aimed to connect journalists with families of missing persons and identify vulnerable households affected by conflict for media engagement and support. “Mubi and its environs have been severely affected by the ongoing armed conflict in northeastern Nigeria. Many people are still dealing with the trauma of separation from their loved ones,” Okoli said.
Heartbreaking Stories of Loss
Several families in Mubi shared heartbreaking stories of how their relatives went missing during insurgent attacks in the region. One of the victims, Mr Mohammed Suleiman, 62, said six of his children and his wife were abducted by Boko Haram during an attack on their community. “We were inside the house when we heard gunshots and saw helicopters flying overhead. Before we could escape, they came and took away members of my family. I felt like dying, but it wasn’t my time. I even lost one of my eyes during the incident,” Suleiman said.
Hope and Resilience
He, however, expressed hope that his missing children would return someday, adding that the ICRC had helped him to continue living through vocational training and psychosocial support. Another affected resident, Mrs Ruth Adamu, 60, said her husband was killed by insurgents, and her 12-year-old son was abducted while they were returning to Yola. “Every day, I dream about my son. I believe I will see him again,” she said.
Support and Assistance
Adamu said she received support from the ICRC that helped her regain the confidence to interact with others after years of emotional isolation. “Before now, I found it difficult to talk or mingle with people. But through the ICRC’s help, we now have a support group where we share our stories and assist each other,” she added. She appealed to the government to provide more assistance to families still grappling with the long-term effects of insurgency.
Rebuilding Lives
Also speaking, Mr Hamma Adamu, 40, said two of his children went missing during an attack. He said that his wife, who was also abducted, later returned but died shortly after. “Life has not been easy, but with the help of the Red Cross, I was able to restart my business and regain hope,” he said. He added that he now advised others going through similar situations on how to rebuild their lives.
Ongoing Support
The ICRC continues to support conflict-affected families in the region through livelihood training, emotional support programmes, and efforts to trace missing persons.
Conclusion
The stories of these families highlight the devastating impact of armed conflict on communities in Adamawa. While the ICRC’s efforts provide some hope and support, more needs to be done to address the long-term effects of insurgency and to reunite families with their missing loved ones.
FAQs
Q: What is the International Day of the Disappeared?
A: The International Day of the Disappeared is a day marked to highlight the plight of families with missing loved ones due to armed conflict.
Q: What is the ICRC doing to support affected families?
A: The ICRC is providing livelihood training, emotional support programmes, and efforts to trace missing persons to support conflict-affected families.
Q: How can the government assist families affected by insurgency?
A: The government can provide more assistance to families still grappling with the long-term effects of insurgency, including support for livelihoods and emotional well-being.
