The African Action Congress has expressed concerns over Margret Joshua, a 20-year-old deaf girl who was brutally assaulted in Tula Baule Yakku, Kaltungo Local Government Area of Gombe State, on May 27.
According to the AAC, Margret was attacked while washing clothes by the riverside when Abubakar Lamido, the alleged assailant, attempted to rape her.
Upon resistance, Lamido reportedly beat her severely, inflicting internal injuries that required emergency surgery.
Comrade Bobo Benson-Bagwiba, the chairman of the AAC, lamented the situation in a chat with KUKURUKU in Gombe State.
Benson-Bagwiba said, “This is not only a tragic case of gender-based violence, but also a stark reminder of the vulnerability of persons living with disabilities in rural Nigeria.
“Margret’s ordeal is unacceptable, and justice must be swift, transparent, and uncompromising.”
Our correspondent gathered that Margret’s family reported the case to the Tula Division of the Nigeria Police Force. Although Lamido was brought in for questioning, he denied the attack, claiming he merely held her hand.
However, medical examinations conducted at the Bambam Cottage Hospital and Kaltungo General Hospital confirmed internal bleeding, prompting emergency surgical intervention.
The AAC condemned the alleged assault in the strongest terms and outlined a list of demands, including the immediate arrest and prosecution of the suspect, financial responsibility for Margret’s medical care, and full protection for her family – who are reportedly facing community pressure and intimidation.
“We are deeply disturbed by reports that Margret’s family is being harassed in the aftermath of the incident. This is not just about one victim – it’s about the larger system that too often fails people like her,” Benson-Bagwiba added.
The party called on the Divisional Police Officer of Tula Division, and the Gombe State Commissioner of Police Yahaya Bello, with the Department of State Services, and other security agencies to act swiftly to ensure Margret’s safety and the prosecution of her alleged attacker.
We are watching closely. Justice must not only be done; it must be seen to be done,” he said.
The AAC also appealed to the Gombe State Government, the National Human Rights Commission, civil society groups, disability rights advocates, the media, and the general public to rally around Margret and push for reforms that protect vulnerable populations from such violence.
This is not just a call for justice,” the AAC statement noted, “but a call for systemic change to end impunity for gender-based violence – especially against women and girls with disabilities.”
The party pledged to provide legal assistance to Margret’s family and ensure her full recovery – both physically and emotionally.
