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2023: Persons with disabilities lament exclusion by political parties
2023: Persons with disabilities lament exclusion by political parties
The Joint National Association of People with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Anambra, had lamented the exclusion of its members in the various activities of political parties ahead of the 2023 general elections.
Mr Ugochukwu Okeke, Chairman, JONAPWD, expressed the displeasure at a news conference in Awka, on Friday, to mark the 4th anniversary of the Anambra State Disabilities Rights Law 2018.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Anambra State Disability Rights Bills 2015 was passed into law by the state legislative chamber on Sept. 13, 2018, and was on Dec. 18, 2018 signed into law by former Gov. Willie Obiano.
Okeke said that persons with disabilities are underrepresented in the activities of political parties and their priorities are systematically neglected.
He said it was risky to take for granted a body with large number of persons, particularly in a democracy, saying that the group will take advantage of their numerical strength to demonstrate their relevance during the polls.
“We have discovered that political parties do not have plans to include persons with disabilities (PWDs) in their structures. They are supposed to reserve certain positions for PWDs, at least at the ward level to motivate our members.
“All of them have women leaders, youth leaders and others, but do not have disability leaders, who will help in mobilising our members.
“Besides, some parties hold their meetings not just late in the night, but upstairs where PWDs will find it difficult to access. Some of them do not have interpreters to ensure that the deaf and dumb among us are carried along.
“The parties should understand that politics is a game of number and we have the number. Infact, we are preparing seriously ahead of the general elections to use our number to make a statement in Anambra,” he said.
Okeke, however, blamed some of its members for their reluctance to identify with different political parties of their choice in the state.
“Some of the challenges are internal. Some of us do not like identifying with political parties and I believe that if you do not belong anywhere, nobody will identify you.
“We have been encouraging our members to identify with political parties of their choices so they can have the bargaining powers to make demands,” he said.
Also speaking, Mrs Amaka Anadumaka, Desk Officer, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, said the corps had the duty to protect the rights of PWDs.
She enjoined the leadership of PWDs not to relent in notifying the security agencies of any threat to its members.
2023: Persons with disabilities lament exclusion by political parties
Malians Youth Gang Violent Clashes Claims Life in Maiduguri
By: Zagazola Makama
An 18-year-old youth, identified as Bakura Muhammed, was fatally stabbed on April 4, 2025, during a violent clash between rival youth groups in Maiduguri.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the altercation occurred at about 4:30 PM in the Ajari and Tashan Lara areas, where youths from both sides engaged in a free-for-all fight.
The victim was fatally stabbed on the stomach. He was immediately transported to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, by the security personnel from Maiduguri Borno police command, where he was confirmed dead by medical personnel.
A police sources said that seven individuals, aged between 15 and 24, have been arrested in connection with the incident. They include Ba’abba Kyari (20), Ali Alhaji GoniAli (20), Muhammed Audu (18), Ali Isa (15), Adam Sabir (15), Mohammed Tujja (17), and Usman Kasim (24).
Authorities are still searching for other members of the gang who fled the scene.
The victim’s body has been deposited at the hospital morgue for autopsy and was later released to the family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
Malians Youth Gang Violent Clashes Claims Life in Maiduguri
Remnant IED Explosion Injures One in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) explosion occurred in Meleri Village, Damboa Local Government Area, on April 4, 2025, leaving one person injured.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that one Alhaji Sanda, a resident of Hansari IDP Camp, and Bulama Zarayye, aged 40, were collecting baobab tree seeds when Zarayye accidentally stepped on an IED.
The device, believed to have been planted by ISWAP, exploded, causing injuries to Zarayye’s buttock, right hand, and lap.
A combined security team, including the Military and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) unit, was promptly dispatched to the scene.
The area was cordoned off, and a search for additional explosive devices was conducted, but no further devices were found.
Zarayye was taken to the General Hospital in Damboa, where he is currently receiving treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.
Remnant IED Explosion Injures One in Borno
Suspect Dies After Torture in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
A tragic incident has been reported in Tudun Nupawa, Kaduna, following the death of 21-year-old Abba Bello.
It was gathered that on April 2, 2025, Bello was arrested by a security guard at Old Panteka on suspicion of theft.
Abdullahi Usman, a suspected commander of the group, allegedly supervised the torture of Bello, leaving him unconscious.
Bello was initially taken to Yusuf Dantsoho Memorial Hospital for treatment but was later transferred to Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital. Despite receiving medical care, he succumbed to his injuries on April 4, 2025, around 5:00 AM.
The deceased’s family has declined a post-mortem examination, and his body was released for burial as per their request.
Efforts to apprehend the suspects are ongoing.
Suspect Dies After Torture in Kaduna
Malians Youth Gang Violent Clashes Claims Life in Maiduguri
Remnant IED Explosion Injures One in Borno
Suspect Dies After Torture in Kaduna
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