Over 6,000 Igbo Youths Vanished Since 2015, Report Says
A human rights group has released a report alleging that over 6,000 families in the South-East are still searching for their sons and daughters. This number was allegedly driven by random military operations and mass arrests of Igbo youths.
The latest findings from Intersociety and Ekwenche Research Institute suggest that those arrested often were labeled as members or supporters of IPOB or its militant arm, ESN. Families are wary of military service, fearing that their children might be taken away in similar operations.
Why Are Youths Afraid?
It’s the increased militarization and alleged kidnappings by security forces that have driven Igbo families to avoid military recruitment altogether. According to the report, around 5,000 other South-Eastern civilians also went missing after being arrested or abducted between August 2015 and December 2019.
Some of these individuals were even taken to detention facilities in Northern Nigeria without family access, indicating a wider systemic issue beyond the region.
Where Did They Go?
The report claims that military personnel were responsible for about 70% of the arrests since January 2021, with police and State Security Service also involved. Military actions have created a climate of fear among families who are now hesitant to let their children enlist.
“These disappearances,” said Emeka Umeagbalasi, Lead Researcher for Intersociety, “have affected the attitudes towards military recruitment in South-Eastern Nigeria.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Igbo youths avoiding military service?
Due to increased militarization and mass arrests by security forces that often brand them as supporters of IPOB or ESN, many Igbo families are now hesitant.
How can the recruitment issues be addressed?
The organizations call for independent judicial commissions to investigate alleged disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and other abuses dating from 2015. Providing transparency on arrested individuals is also critical.