THE International Committee Red Cross (ICRC) has said nearly 22,000 Nigerians have been reported as missing during a decade of conflict in Northeast region of Nigeria.

The Geneva based humanitarian institution said the figure is the highest number of missing persons registered with the ICRC in any country.

The ICRC said families in Northeast Nigeria are often separated while fleeing attacks, with others loved ones abducted or detained and do not know their whereabouts.

“Every parent’s worst nightmare is not knowing where their child is. This is the tragic reality for thousands of Nigerian parents, leaving them with the anguish of a constant search. People have the right to know the fate of their loved ones, and more needs to be done to prevent families from being separated in the first place,” said ICRC President Peter Maurer on Thursday at the end of his five-day visit to Nigeria.

“Families are the greatest casualty of 10 years of war in northeast Nigeria. They have been torn apart. Children have been killed and maimed in bomb blasts. Their health facilities have been ruthlessly attacked and their homes and belongings destroyed. Families belong together and above all, civilians must be spared in war” Maurer said.

READ MORE: https://www.icirnigeria.org/boko-haram-nearly-22000-people-missing-in-northeast-nigeria-icrc/

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