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British High Commission Laments Low Attendance in School of Children with Disabilities
British High Commission Laments Low Attendance in School of Children with Disabilities
By: Michael Mike
The British High Commission has lamented the low attendance of children with disabilities in school in Nigeria.
The Acting British High Commissioner, Gill Atkinson gave the lamentation while hosting a gathering of members of Nigeria’s disability rights community and their advocates as well as representatives of the diplomatic community in Abuja.
He said: “It is particularly shocking that it is estimated that only 12% of children with disabilities are in education. I know from my own experience that people with disabilities can and do make a full contribution to society – I hope that by speaking out I can help make a positive impact in Nigeria.
The envoy added that: “As I prepare to leave Nigeria, it was a priority for me that the final event I host should be one that brings the spotlight onto the challenges faced by the disabled community in Nigeria. I live with a disability myself and I know that, even with a good employer and a strong legal framework, it can be extremely challenging for people with disabilities to fulfil their capabilities and potential.”
He said: “While legal developments are part of the necessary change, it is also vital that this is mirrored by culture and attitude changes too.”
The theme for the event was the progressing the SDGs with and for persons with disabilities – aligning with International Day’s theme this year. Attendees were treated to panel discussions which included key reflections from Mr James Lalu, the Executive Secretary to the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and Mr Jake Epelle, CEO to TAF Africa alongside a performance by the Deaf Can Dance group.
The forum was also an opportunity to spotlight women leaders in the disability space, and to learn about the particular Health and Social are challenges faced by women living with disabilities in Nigeria which is especially relevant during 16 Days of Activism.
It is no secret that there are no accurate figures on disability in Nigeria, but millions of people have disabilities. It is estimated that unemployment rates are over 60% against a national rate of 21.5% and that only 12% of children are in education compared with 57% for those without disabilities.
Women with disabilities are also up to four times more likely than other women to experience violence. The Government of Nigeria has ratified the United Nation Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities UNCRPD and passed the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act in 2018. In 2015, the Government also passed the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act.
British High Commission Laments Low Attendance in School of Children with Disabilities
Gunmen Kidnap Several Individuals in Zangon Kataf LGA
By: Zagazola Makama
Unidentified gunmen reportedly invaded a Fulani settlement (ruga) in Dusten Bako Village, Ikulu Chiefdom, Zangon Kataf Local Government Area, on the night of April 3, 2025, at approximately 9:30 PM.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the attackers abducted an unspecified number of individuals, whisking them away to an unknown destination.
Upon receiving the distressing news, security forced, mobilized immediately to the scene to assess the situation.
Efforts to track down the perpetrators and ensure the safe rescue of the kidnapped victims are currently underway.
Gunmen Kidnap Several Individuals in Zangon Kataf LGA
Bandits Kill Father and Son, Abduct CPG Member in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
On April 4, 2025, a tragic incident occurred along the Bungudu-Duhuwa Road in Zamfara State, where a father and son, Garbati (Fnu) and his son Abubakar Babuga Garbati, were attacked and hacked to death by unknown assailants.
The attackers also stole their motorcycle. The police were promptly alerted, and the bodies were transported to the General Hospital Bungudu for autopsy before being released to their family for burial.
Later that same evening, around 1830hrs, a group of approximately 20 armed bandits ambushed members of the Community Police Guards (CPG) stationed at a checkpoint between Sauna and Gidan Kano along the Sokoto-Gusau highway.
The bandits overpowered the CPG, abducting one of their members, Asiru Dawa, and taking him to an undisclosed location.
The military forces have since launched an operation to track down the bandits and rescue the abducted CPG member.
Bandits Kill Father and Son, Abduct CPG Member in Zamfara
Police Officer, Chinese Nationals Killed in Attack on Quarry Workers in Uturu, Abia
By: Zagazola Makama
A tragic attack took place on April 4, 2025, when armed assailants ambushed a convoy of Chinese expatriates and their police security guards on their way to the Huan Cheng Mining Quarry Site at Agukwu Amaya, Ndundu Community, Isuikwuato LGA, in Abia State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that during the attack, Mr. Quan, a Chinese manager, his colleague Mr. Cai, and Inspector Audu Saidu of the 32 PMF Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, were killed. The assailants also seized the Inspector’s AK-47 rifle.
Security forces, responded swiftly. They rescued three other Chinese nationals Mr. Roger Tan (60), Mr. Yu Shangyu (56), and Mr. Zhan Weibin (59) without injury. Two other victims, Inspector Uba Ahmed and Mr. Huang Lijun, were also rescued, though both had sustained gunshot and machete injuries, respectively. They are currently receiving treatment at Master Energy Hospital Uturu.
Unfortunately, one police officer, Inspector Igagwu, remains missing, and efforts to track the assailants and recover the stolen rifle are ongoing. The bodies of the deceased have been transferred to Marist Cottage Mortuary in Hopeville Uturu.
The police are intensifying their investigation and search efforts to locate the missing officer and apprehend the perpetrators.
Police Officer, Chinese Nationals Killed in Attack on Quarry Workers in Uturu, Abia
Gunmen Kidnap Several Individuals in Zangon Kataf LGA
Bandits Kill Father and Son, Abduct CPG Member in Zamfara
Police Officer, Chinese Nationals Killed in Attack on Quarry Workers in Uturu, Abia
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