Communicating Missing Persons Online in Nigeria

In a country as vast and diverse as Nigeria, the issue of missing persons is a growing concern, especially in the face of rising insecurity, abductions, and societal instability. While the traditional methods of reporting missing persons through law enforcement and word-of-mouth remain vital, the emergence of digital platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp has become a powerful tool for disseminating information. These platforms provide a space for the public to contribute to the search, mobilize resources, and raise awareness in real time. However, in this piece, our analyst notes that to maximize the effectiveness of digital communication in finding missing persons, a more strategic approach is needed.

The Role of Social Media in Reporting Missing Persons

Nigeria has a large social media presence, with millions of users across platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp. These platforms offer several benefits, including the ability to reach a wide audience instantly and the ability to mobilize the community at large. For many Nigerians, social media is the first port of call when trying to locate a missing person. Facebook groups, like the one dedicated to finding missing persons in Nigeria, have become hubs where families post details about their loved ones, hoping the wider community can assist in locating them.

However, despite the vast reach, the digital space can be a double-edged sword. While it offers the potential for quick results, the effectiveness of the process often depends on how well the information is communicated. Poorly crafted posts can lead to confusion, misidentification, or worse, the spread of misinformation. Therefore, understanding the best practices for communicating missing persons online is essential to optimizing the use of these digital platforms.

Key Elements for Effective Communication in the Digital Space

Clarity and Accuracy in the Message

A well-crafted post is clear, concise, and contains all the necessary information to aid the search. It should include the following key details:

• Physical Description: Height, build, hair colour, eye colour, any distinguishing features (e.g., tattoos, scars).
• Last Seen Location: Providing a specific location helps narrow down the search and assists those in that area in paying closer attention. Details about landmarks, neighbourhoods, or specific locations like bus stations or markets are valuable.
• Date and Time: The time the person went missing can be crucial in triggering memories or helping authorities track their movements.
• Contact Information: Ensure the contact information is easily visible and offers multiple ways for people to report tips. WhatsApp numbers, phone numbers, and emails should be readily accessible.

The more precise the information, the higher the chances of receiving relevant leads. Incomplete or vague information can lead to people scrolling past the post without taking action.

Emotional Appeal with Sensitivity

One of the primary drivers of engagement on social media is emotional appeal. A message that reflects the urgency and emotional weight of the situation is likely to catch attention. However, it’s important to strike a balance between an emotional appeal and factual communication. Posts should aim to convey the severity of the situation without resorting to sensationalism.

For example, a missing child’s post could mention the emotional impact on the family, using empathetic language like, “Ayomide’s family is desperate for any information about his whereabouts. His mother is critically ill and needs to see him.” But it should not exaggerate the situation to the point where it becomes misleading or overstated.

This emotional touch encourages readers to engage not just out of concern but also because they feel personally connected to the cause. In a country where personal relationships and community solidarity are highly valued, a heartfelt appeal can resonate deeply.

Regular Updates and Transparency

One of the pitfalls of social media communication is the temptation to post a single update and then leave the public hanging. Effective communication requires continuous updates on the status of the search. These updates could include new information, sightings, or even reports from authorities. Each update should be shared promptly across all platforms to ensure the search is actively ongoing.

For example, if a missing person has been spotted in a particular location, posting an update like, “We have received reports of sightings in the Agege area. Please stay vigilant and report any new sightings” can refocus efforts. Moreover, when the person is found, announcing it promptly with gratitude is equally important, as it gives closure to the community involved in the search.

Transparency in the progress of the search also builds trust among the public. People are more likely to engage in future searches when they see that the process is being handled with honesty and diligence.

Collaboration with Law Enforcement

Although social media is powerful, law enforcement remains a critical player in the search for missing persons. It’s essential to collaborate with the authorities and include them in the communication process. Digital platforms should not be used as substitutes for reporting to the police. Instead, they should complement law enforcement efforts by providing public updates and organizing community searches.

Calls for assistance from the police—such as “Please report any sightings to the nearest police station”—can also build credibility and encourage compliance from the public. Additionally, when working with law enforcement, it’s important to include the police’s official channels for reporting, ensuring that people can easily connect with the appropriate authorities.

Leveraging Technology to Track and Mobilize

Another innovative strategy is to leverage geolocation tools and online databases to track the movement of missing persons. Websites like governi.ng, which document missing persons, can be used to create a centralized database accessible by anyone with an internet connection. Integrating such resources into social media posts or group discussions helps to streamline the search process.

The use of hashtags on platforms like Twitter can also create a searchable index for missing persons, allowing users to find related posts with ease. For instance, hashtags like #FindAyomide or #MissingIbukun can help consolidate posts about specific cases, making it easier for others to spread the word.

Editor’s Note: The messages illustrating these strategies were sourced from the official Facebook page of Missing People Finder in Nigeria