Edith CHUKU
A rights advocate in Rivers State, Mr. Prince Wiro, says he is overwhelmed by the efforts of the Azikiwe Police Division in uniting a little girl who is deaf and dump with her mother.
The child who is about seven years old was found on Tuesday at Azikiwe Street, Mile 2 Diobu, Port Harcourt, wondering about. She was taken to the police station by the advocate for safety.
At the police station, the girl was stigmatized by some women, particularly mothers who were present at the Azikiwe Police Division when the child was brought in.
The women cruelly dismissed the child as an “imbecile” undeserving of care, which was vehemently condemned by some activists and the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists NAWOJ, Rivers State.
NAWOJ in a statement described the women’s action as “utterly disgraceful”, wondering why women, who should naturally be protectors of vulnerable children, were the ones mocking a helpless minor simply because of her disability.
The NAWOJ Chairperson, Susan Serekara-Nwikhana and secretary, Precious Ahiakwo-Ovie noted that, “this cruel behavior is not only a failure of basic humanity but also a reflection of the deep-seated stigma and ignorance that still plague our society.”
They called on the police and social welfare agencies to expedite efforts in reuniting the child with her family while ensuring her proper care.
Also, NAWOJ emphasized that mothers, as primary caregivers, should lead in showing compassion, not cruelty, toward children with disabilities and urged community leaders, women groups, and civil society organizations to intensify advocacy against the stigmatization of persons with disabilities.
Excited that the child had been reunited with her mother, Wiro who is also the National Coordinator of Centre for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability, commended the Divisional Police Officer of the Azikiwe Police Division, Mr Lawrence Ike for his efforts.
Wiro thanked Ike and other officers for their tireless efforts in ensuring the girl’s reunion with her family.
He also commended rights groups, the leadership of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists NAWOJ, Rivers State and other members of the organization for their concern and for condemning the stigmatization of the little girl by some mothers who visited the station.
The rights advocate emphasized the importance of showing empathy and care to persons with disabilities, as they are not less human.
