Abuja, October 19, 2024, FCT Vocational Rehabilitation Centre, Kuchiko, Bwari, Abuja is in mourning following the tragic killing of its Principal, Comrade Bala Tsoho Musa, a wheelchair user, by yet-to-be-identified assailants. The shocking incident has left the community and staff of the center in disbelief.
Comrade Bala, a dedicated advocate for persons with disabilities, was known for his unwavering commitment to transforming lives through the center’s skill acquisition programs. The rehabilitation center, established by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), provides training for persons with disabilities, beggars, and individuals detained for public nuisance within the city.
Gruesome Discovery
Sources reveal that Bala’s lifeless body was discovered alongside his wheelchair at the crime scene. Evidence suggests that a wooden object found nearby might have been used to deliver a fatal blow to his head. To compound the tragedy, two of his mobile phones were missing, pointing to a possible robbery-related motive.
A source disclosed that the incident remained unknown to his household until a deaf female assistant, returning to the hostel, noticed something amiss and raised the alarm. “The sound of the power generator likely muffled any noise during the attack, preventing immediate detection,” the source explained.
Police Confirm Investigation Underway
When contacted, CSP Babayola Muhammad, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Bwari, confirmed the incident and disclosed that investigations are ongoing to apprehend the culprits. “We are following every lead to ensure those responsible for this heinous crime are brought to justice,” he assured.
A Legacy of Dedication
Comrade Bala Musa was more than just the Principal of the center—he was a dedicated staff of the Social Welfare Services Department under the FCTA’s Social Development Secretariat. His passion for inclusion and empowerment made him a dependable leader and a source of hope for the many individuals whose lives were transformed under his guidance.
Colleagues describe him as a coordinator par excellence who ensured that the rehabilitation center functioned smoothly, bridging the gap between social services and the community. His untimely death has left a deep void that will be hard to fill.
Outrage and Grief in the Community
The tragic loss of Comrade Bala has sparked outrage and sorrow among the disability community and the wider public. Calls for justice and heightened security for vulnerable persons, especially those with disabilities, are gaining momentum.
“He was a hero to us—one of the few who fought tirelessly for the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities,” lamented a colleague from the center.
A Call for Swift Justice
As investigations continue, many are urging authorities to fast-track the investigation and apprehend the perpetrators. Bala’s life and work were dedicated to creating opportunities for the marginalized, and his untimely death has sent shockwaves through the disability rights advocacy movement.
His death serves as a somber reminder of the urgent need for protection for individuals with disabilities, who often face heightened risks of violence and discrimination.
The community now waits, grieving the loss of a leader, friend, and mentor, hoping that justice will be served swiftly in his memory.
