Headlines
International Day of the Diappeared – 25,000 persons missing in Nigeria

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) says the latest figures of disappeared persons across Africa is 64,000 cases, with Nigeria recording over 25,000 missing persons.
Mr Yann Bonzon, Head of Delegation for Society in Nigeria, said this in a statement issued to newsmen to commemorate the International Day of the Disappeared, observed every Aug. 30.
The statement was signed by Ms Akpa Esther, Communication Officer, Editor and Analyst of the society in Abuja.
Bonzon said that out of the over 25,000 reported missing in Nigeria, over 14,000 were children.
According to him, there are over 35 active armed conflicts in Africa.
He said that thousands of people, including children, cross borders, the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea in search of safety and better life each year.
Bonzon said that such movements often entailed great risk, including the risk of disappearance.
He said that documented cases of missing persons were on the rise as the society warned that the actual figures were much higher.
“Sadly, the almost 14,000 children registered do not capture the full scope of this often-neglected and tragic humanitarian issue.
“There is no doubt that there are more children whose fate remains unknown,’’ Bonzon said.
He said that during displacement, children faced risks such as exploitation, violence, mental distress and disappearance as many also ended up alone, with no news of their families’ whereabouts.
According to him, the society has more than 5,200 documented cases of unaccompanied children in Africa.
Mr Patrick Youssef, Regional Director for ICRC in Africa, said that having the right policies in place could save lives.
Youssef said that it was an essential step to protect migrants and families of missing persons.
He said that there was a question of humanity and human dignity and that families of the disappeared faced immense pain and obstacles that often transcend generations.
“They are stuck in limbo, unable to move forward or grieve. The search for their loved ones never ends ’’ Youssef said.
He said that in 2022 from January to June, the society together with the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), assisted in the exchange of 1,250 Red Cross messages containing family news.
Youssef said that the society reunited 31 separated children and unaccompanied minors with their families, while 440 phone calls were provided to families to maintain family contact.
“In addition, families of 377 persons received information about the whereabouts or fate of their loved ones.
“While 146 families of missing persons received psychosocial, economic, legal and administrative support through the Accompaniment Programme for Families of the Missing,’’ he said.
Headlines
Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial

President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.
Headlines
“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial

Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.
“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.
Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.
“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.
Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.
“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.
Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.
“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.
On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.
The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.
Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.
Headlines
King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader

His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.
In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”
He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”
Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”
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