By FRANCA OFILI

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 State, to highlight the plight of families with missing loved ones.

Mr. Lemdi Okoli, Communication Field Officer, ICRC, Mubi, on Tuesday, 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.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 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.

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.

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.

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.

NAN reports that the ICRC continues to support conflict-affected families in the region through livelihood training, emotional support programmes, and efforts to trace missing persons. (NAN)