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Plans underway by FG to create database for missing persons, says NHRC

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Plans underway by FG to create database for missing persons, says NHRC

Tony Ojukwu, Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)

 

Plans are underway by the Federal Government to create a database that would comprehensively capture the details of missing persons in the country.

The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Tony Ojukwu, made this known at a meeting of stakeholders involved in the compilation of missing persons in Nigeria.

The meeting was organised by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and NHRC.

Ojukwu, who was represented by the Director of Human Rights Institute, Mrs. Ifeoma Nwakama, stated that the family members of the missing persons had continued to seek answers from government on the whereabouts of their loved ones.

Speaking on plans by government to locate such persons in the country, the NHRC boss said: “Looking inward so to say, at the NHRC, we have always played a key role in this issue because when you talk about missing persons, there are human rights issues, there are humanitarian issues and there are overlap between when you talk about missing persons.

“We can no longer refer to only what’s happening in the Northeast. Where is it not happening? It is happening all over the country.

“One of the issues it throws up is the issue of displacement, issue of family separation and the issue of people not being accounted for, and no responsible government would leave this matter without addressing it

“So, it is a matter that should be a source of concern for all of us representing one agency or the other.

“I also believe that we will soon begin to see ourselves the role that we can play in bringing this to fruition to the extent that we will get to that stage where we will have a proper database,” he said.

Ojukwu said that the government has done a lot to attend to do some sort of tracing to find out what is happening because when you listen to families, and it is a good strategy to invite family of these persons.

Also speaking, Hajiya Sadiya Farouk, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development said that the latest figures showed that out of the 64,000 disappeared persons across Africa, Nigeria recorded 25,000 missing persons including over 14,000 children.

Farouk, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Nasir Gwarzo said:”the federal government through the mandate of the Ministry shall establish a National Mechanism to raise awareness about the plight of the missing.

“Also, the needs of their families, establish a collaborative network between and among different stakeholders where methodologies in approaching the question of missing persons and their families, will be addressed,”’Farouk said.

She said that irregular migration by many Nigerians, including children through the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea in search of safety and better life contributed to great risk of disappearance.

”To date, there is no reliable national data on the number of missing persons in Nigeria because there is no official register.

” Currently the country has no National structure or Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to address the humanitarian consequences of disappearances.

“It is very understandable why Nigeria as a country and this Ministry in charge of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development is very concerned about this often-neglected and tragic humanitarian and social issue.” she said.

According to her, the ministry will rely on the capacity of Law Enforcement Agencies to investigate cases of the missing persons to bring closure to the families of the missing.

She said It was also important to address the root causes of the problem which often include poverty, discrimination and political instability.

Mr Yann Bonzon, head of ICRC Nigeria Delegation, said people are left with the anguish of not knowing the fate or whereabouts of a loved one

Bonzon said that at least 25,000 people reportedly missing in the country was likely to be a tip of the iceberg.

According to him, behind every missing person is a family. People that are left with the anguish of not knowing the fate or whereabouts of a loved one.

“These are the numbers of cases that have been registered with the ICRC and Nigerian Red Cross Society. We know that this number is likely just a tip on of the iceberg.

“But what this number also represents is many thousands of people – thousands more than the number of people missing itself – who are impacted by that absence,” Bonzon said.

He said that the ICRC know that no fewer than 13,000 families in Nigeria are seeking missing loved ones.

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Dr. Nafiu Sankara Emerges as Kano Central Senatorial Candidate Ahead of the Next Elections

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Dr. Nafiu Danladi Sankara has emerged as a leading political figure and consensus candidate for the Kano Central Senatorial District under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 elections. His emergence reflects a growing call for purposeful leadership, youth inclusion, and a renewed political vision for Kano and Nigeria at large.

Dr. Sankara is widely known for his contributions to community development, youth empowerment, and public engagement. A politician, philanthropist, and public affairs advocate, he has consistently supported initiatives aimed at improving opportunities for young people and strengthening grassroots participation in governance.

His political journey is not new. In the 2019 general elections, Dr. Sankara contested as an aspirant for the House of Representatives under the PDP to represent the Tarauni Federal Constituency in Kano State. His participation in the democratic process demonstrated his long-standing commitment to public service and political representation.

With a vision centered on Youth Empowerment, Innovation, Good Governance, and National Unity, Dr. Sankara is seen by supporters as part of a new generation of leaders focused on inclusive development and responsive representation. His message emphasizes the importance of accountability, opportunity creation, and citizen-centered leadership.

Supporters and party stakeholders believe his experience in community engagement and grassroots mobilization will contribute positively to legislative representation, ensuring that the concerns of ordinary citizens receive adequate attention. His growing acceptance across different groups is seen as a sign of confidence in his leadership and political aspirations.

As preparations for the 2027 elections continue, many observers view Dr. Nafiu Sankara’s political journey as part of a broader conversation about leadership renewal, youth participation, and the future direction of governance in Kano State and Nigeria.

“The Youth. The Vision. The Change. The Future is Ours.”

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Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu Declared Winner of Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency in Taraba

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Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu, Chairman of the House Committee on Nigeria-China Friendship Group, has been declared the winner of the APC primary elections for the Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency in Taraba State. His victory reflects the overwhelming support of voters across the constituency, who have entrusted him once again with the responsibility of representing their interests at the National Assembly.

Since his election into the House of Representatives, Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu has distinguished himself as a legislator of vision and purpose. His leadership of the Nigeria-China Friendship Group has been instrumental in strengthening bilateral ties, particularly in areas of trade, infrastructure, and technology. He has consistently demonstrated the ability to balance international diplomacy with grassroots development, ensuring that his constituency benefits from both global partnerships and local initiatives.

Hon. Yakubu is widely respected for his integrity, accessibility, and people-centered approach to governance. Voters describe him as approachable and transparent, qualities that have earned him trust and loyalty. His interventions in education, road construction, and youth empowerment have provided vital opportunities for rural communities in Taraba, connecting them to broader national development. His consistency in legislative duties and his reliability as a representative have further cemented his standing as a dependable voice in the House of Representatives.

His victory at the primaries is not just a political achievement but a reaffirmation of his commitment to service. Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu’s re-election bid promises continuity in championing international cooperation, local development, and legislative accountability. As Taraba looks forward to stronger representation in the National Assembly, Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu stands out as a leader who combines vision, diplomacy, and grassroots connection to deliver meaningful progress for Bali/Gassol and Nigeria at large.

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Tinubu Mega Group Mobilises 1,500, Endorses Tinubu’s Second Term Bid

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The nation’s capital, Abuja, witnessed a massive political gathering on Tuesday as thousands of supporters under the umbrella of the Tinubu Mega Group (TMG) staged what organisers described as a “National Unity Rally” in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his re election bid ahead of the 2027 presidential election.The rally, which attracted participants from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, brought together over 1,500 groups comprising professionals, civil society organisations, youth associations, religious leaders, artisans, traders, women groups, and grassroots mobilisers.At the rally, the coalition formally presented what it described as the endorsement of “20 million Nigerians” for another four years of President Tinubu’s administration, insisting that ongoing economic and structural reforms must be sustained beyond 2027.Addressing the gathering, the National Spokesperson of the Tinubu Mega Group, Tijani Ali Danjuma, said the rally represented the collective voice of Nigerians who believe in continuity, stability, and national progress.According to him, despite prevailing economic difficulties and global challenges, the Tinubu administration has demonstrated courage and direction in tackling inherited national problems.He highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects, renewed investments in local refining, economic stabilisation efforts, improved support for state governments, social intervention programmes, and reforms targeted at strengthening local governance and attracting investments.“The student loan programme has opened new opportunities for young Nigerians. Efforts are ongoing to strengthen the naira, improve food production, and reposition the economy for long term growth,” he stated.Danjuma added that the massive turnout at the rally was proof that support for the President cuts across regions, sectors, and religious affiliations.“To those spreading false narratives and attempting to create division, our answer is simple, the people have spoken. Nigerians are choosing continuity over confusion and progress over propaganda,” he declared.Also speaking at the rally on behalf of Nigerian professionals, Dr. Tabuko Kennedy said professionals across critical sectors of the economy were backing the administration because reforms require consistency and continuity to succeed.Representing doctors, lawyers, engineers, academics, entrepreneurs, creatives, artisans, and technocrats, Kennedy argued that abandoning ongoing reforms midway could negatively affect national development.He maintained that President Tinubu had shown commitment toward rebuilding the economy, strengthening infrastructure, improving revenue generation, supporting local industries, and creating opportunities for Nigerian youths.“As professionals, we understand that difficult reforms are never easy at the beginning, but we also know that abandoning reforms halfway can damage national progress,” he said.Kennedy further declared that “there is NO VACANCY in Aso Rock in 2027,” a statement that drew loud cheers from supporters at the venue.The Christian community was represented by Bishop Kola Oyedepo, who described the current phase of Nigeria’s development as a period requiring patience, sacrifice, wisdom, and collective responsibility.The cleric noted that leadership often demands difficult decisions and urged Nigerians not to allow bitterness, division, or destructive politics to derail ongoing efforts aimed at repositioning the country.According to him, reforms initiated under President Tinubu, including economic restructuring, infrastructure development, educational support through student loans, and efforts to improve local refining capacity, were necessary foundations for a stronger Nigeria.“Every wise builder must first lay a solid foundation. Nigeria today is in the process of rebuilding and restructuring its foundation for a stronger future,” the bishop stated.He urged Nigerians to continue praying for the country and its leaders while reiterating support for continuity in governance.“There is NO VACANCY in Aso Rock in 2027,” he added.Similarly, Islamic cleric Sheik Abubakar Mustapha called for patience, peace, unity, and support for national development efforts.The Imam acknowledged the economic and social challenges facing the country, but stressed that meaningful reforms require time, perseverance, and courageous leadership.He commended the administration’s focus on infrastructure, education support initiatives, governance reforms, and local refining projects aimed at strengthening national productivity.“We must not allow division, hatred, or politics of bitterness to weaken our country. Instead, we must support unity, peaceful coexistence, and responsible leadership,” he said.Mustapha also aligned with the position of the organisers, insisting that Nigerians who desire stability and sustained development understand that “there is NO VACANCY in Aso Rock in 2027.”Observers described the rally as one of the largest political mobilisation efforts witnessed in Abuja in recent months, with participants carrying banners, placards, and campaign materials bearing inscriptions such as “20 Million Nigerians Support Tinubu,” “Continuity for National Development,” and “One Voice, One Vision, One Nigeria.”The rally ended peacefully with prayers for national unity, economic recovery, and sustained democratic governance in Nigeria.

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