Bauchi State, Nigeria—Tensions flared on Friday as security personnel attached to the Bauchi Government House clashed with a group of protesting Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). The PWDs, participating in the #EndofBadGovernance protests, were marching towards the Government House, intending to voice their grievances directly to the Deputy Governor, Auwal Jatau. The confrontation highlighted the ongoing struggles of marginalized communities in Nigeria and drew sharp reactions from both the public and government officials.
Protest and Confrontation
The PWD protesters, many of whom are graduates from higher institutions, had joined the broader #EndofBadGovernance movement, demanding urgent government intervention in their plight. Despite their peaceful intentions, they were met with resistance from security forces as they approached the Governor’s Office.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as the PWDs were blocked from entering the premises. The protesters, visibly agitated, attempted to negotiate their entry, hoping to present their case to the Deputy Governor. However, the situation quickly escalated. According to a spokesperson for the PWDs, who requested anonymity, the security personnel responded with undue force, nearly brutalizing the protesters. “We were harmless,” he told journalists. “We only wanted the government to hear us, to understand that we are struggling without jobs, without hope for a better future.”
The Plight of PWDs in Bauchi
The spokesperson highlighted the broader issues facing PWDs in Bauchi State. Despite many being well-educated, job opportunities remain scarce, and government support minimal. “We are graduates, but we are jobless,” he said. “We have no hope for a better future unless the government steps in to assist us.”
The protest was intended to draw attention to these issues and compel the government to take action. Instead, it ended in a violent confrontation that underscored the precarious position of PWDs in Nigerian society. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for greater accountability and protection for vulnerable groups.
Government Response
In response to the incident, Mukhtar Gidado, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Bala Mohammed, issued a statement expressing the government’s concern over the confrontation. “The Bauchi State Government is deeply concerned by the viral video of an infraction involving a person with disability and security personnel at a cordoned area at the entrance of Bauchi Government House yesterday, 1st August, 2024 during the #EndBadGovernance protest,” the statement read.
Gidado emphasized that the Bauchi State Government, under Governor Mohammed’s leadership, does not condone any form of violence or misconduct by law enforcement officers. “The welfare and rights of all citizens, especially vulnerable groups, remain Governor Bala’s foremost concern and priority,” he stated.
The government has launched an investigation into the allegations, promising a thorough and transparent process. “We wish to categorically state that those found to have acted improperly will be held accountable and face the full extent of the law,” Gidado assured the public.
A Call for Accountability
The incident has ignited a broader conversation about the treatment of PWDs and the responsibility of government officials and security forces. Human rights advocates and civil society organizations have condemned the actions of the security personnel, calling for immediate reforms to ensure the protection and inclusion of PWDs in all aspects of society.
“The government must not only investigate this incident but also take concrete steps to address the systemic issues that led to it,” said a representative of a local human rights group. “PWDs deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. They have the right to protest and to be heard by their government.”
Conclusion
The confrontation at the Bauchi Government House is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by PWDs in Nigeria. As the government investigates the incident, many hope it will lead to meaningful change and greater support for marginalized communities. The PWD protesters’ demands for better job opportunities and government intervention reflect a broader call for inclusive governance and social justice.
In the meantime, the incident has brought national attention to the struggles of PWDs, sparking a wave of solidarity and calls for action. As the investigation unfolds, the Bauchi State Government’s response will be closely watched, with many hoping it will mark a turning point in the fight for the rights and welfare of PWDs in Nigeria.
Police officers clashing with Hamza Waziri, former Chairman, Agency for persons with disabilities, Bauchi State
