According to the Ministry of Justice and Public Security's statistical panel on disappearances, Pernambuco has recorded 2,745 missing persons in 2025, placing it ninth among states in Brazil with the highest number of cases. This translates to an alarming average of nearly eight disappearances daily. Of these cases, the majority are men, with 1,674 males representing approximately 61% of the total. Disturbingly, only 271 individuals were found last year among the missing, underlining a stark reality surrounding this issue in the state.

The issue of missing children and adolescents is particularly concerning, with 695 individuals aged between zero and 17 reported missing in the past year, averaging two cases per day. This highlights a critical situation affecting the younger population in Pernambuco, raising questions about the effectiveness of measures in place to protect them and the broader social implications of these disappearances. The struggle of families, such as that of Girlaine Rodrigues, whose son Vinícius disappeared in 2015 when he was just eight years old, illustrates the profound emotional toll on those left searching for their loved ones.

The statistics compel authorities to reassess their strategies to combat this crisis and provide support to the families affected. The high number of cases not only points to individual tragedies but also reflects systemic issues such as insufficient law enforcement response and societal factors that contribute to the ongoing problem of disappearances in Brazil. Addressing these matters is essential for creating a safer environment for all citizens, particularly the vulnerable members of society such as children and adolescents.