More than 23,659 people are still missing across Nigeria, leaving 13,595 families — mostly women — in distress, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The grim figure was disclosed on Sunday by Mr. Ishaku Luka, Team Lead for Protection of Family Links at the ICRC in Damaturu, during events marking the International Day of the Disappeared.

Luka said that 68% of those searching for missing loved ones are women, while 59% of the missing were children at the time they disappeared. Yobe State alone accounts for around 2,500 of the cases, with the majority reported from Gujba Local Government Area.

“Each missing person represents a family trapped in pain and uncertainty, often facing legal, social, and economic hardships,” Luka said, stressing that the plight of these families is one of the overlooked consequences of conflict, disasters, and migration.

He urged authorities, communities, and all parties to conflict to take greater responsibility in preventing disappearances and protecting civilians.

Providing updates on ICRC’s work, Luka revealed that between January and June 2025, the organisation documented 451 new cases and resolved 515. In that period, seven children separated from their families were successfully reunited.

“Every day, we help reunite 20 people globally. Every hour, we clarify the fate of two missing persons. Every minute, we help four people contact their families,” he noted.

ICRC representative Hassan added that healing does not come with time alone, but with answers, acknowledgment, and support. He highlighted the ongoing support provided in states like Borno and Adamawa, including mental health services, livelihood aid, and family orientation programmes in partnership with the Nigerian Red Cross Society.

He called on Nigerian authorities to fulfill their legal and moral obligations — by clarifying the fate of missing persons, respecting the dignity of the deceased, and supporting affected families.

Globally, over 94,000 new missing persons were registered in 2024, bringing the total to 284,400 — a figure the ICRC believes underrepresents the true scale of the crisis.

“No family should have to live with the torment of not knowing. We renew our commitment to advocate for the disappeared and stand with their families,” Hassan said.

Former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Solomon Arase has reportedly passed away at Cedarcrest Hospital in Abuja.

As at press time, there has been no official confirmation from his family or the Nigeria Police Force regarding the development.

Arase, Nigeria’s 18th Inspector-General of Police, was appointed to the position in April 2015 by then-President Goodluck Jonathan.

After his retirement in 2016, he continued to serve the nation in various capacities, most notably as Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), a role he assumed in January 2023 under President Muhammadu Buhari. He was relieved of the position in June 2024 by President Bola Tinubu.

A seasoned intelligence officer, Arase once led the Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau, the police force’s apex intelligence unit. He also served as Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State and later as Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of intelligence. His international service included a stint in Namibia on a United Nations peacekeeping mission.

Image: Barter trade

Akpabuyo Local Government Area in Cross River State has reopened its centuries-old barter market, a unique trade hub in West Africa, as part of activities marking the council’s 34th anniversary.

The celebration, held at the council headquarters, brought together residents, traditional leaders, and political figures who hailed the return of peace to the area.

They described it as the foundation for Akpabuyo’s renewed economic prospects.

Former Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Deputy Governorship candidate, Dr. Emana Duke Ambrose-Amawhe, said the reopening of the barter market was a landmark development, crediting Governor Senator Prince Bassey Otu for restoring stability in the community.

Since His Excellency came into power, he put all measures in place to ensure calm and peace.

Today, people can sleep in their houses with their eyes closed, and that is why you see this turnout from far and near,” she said.

Dr. Ambrose-Amawhe highlighted Akpabuyo’s natural maritime position, bordered by rivers, Bakassi, and the Atlantic Ocean.

He emphasised that the government investment in dredging, deep-sea port projects, and marine preservation will reinforce its role in trade and agriculture.

“With the pace of growth, Akpabuyo will contribute even more to the economic advancement of Cross River State and Nigeria. More jobs will mean more stability for our people,” she added.

Council Chairman, Hon. Effiom Bassey Effiong, said hosting the first official anniversary of Akpabuyo’s creation was a privilege, noting that the event was made possible by improved security.

“The place is calm and safe. We have Marine Police, the Navy, the Army, the Airforce, and our local vigilantes. Investors from China and other countries are already showing interest; some have even acquired land to build a university and industries,” he said.

Hon. Effiong also revealed plans to remodel the barter market into a world-class commercial hub to attract more investors and cross-border traders from Cameroon and beyond.