FLASH POINT

By Shehu Yahaya

The Association of Persons with Special Needs in Northern Nigeria has raised serious concern over what it described as continued maltreatment and discrimination against its members by the governments of Lagos State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Addressing journalists at a press conference in Kaduna, the Public Relations Secretary of the Northern Blind Association, Comrade Muntari Saleh, said the condition of persons with special needs across the country has become increasingly alarming, particularly in major cities.

According to him, members of the association are frequently subjected to harassment, intimidation and inhuman treatment, which he said have worsened their living conditions. He explained that persons with disabilities are often denied access to public facilities, employment opportunities and social welfare services, despite existing laws designed to protect their rights.

Comrade Saleh specifically alleged that in Lagos State and the FCT, persons with special needs are routinely chased away from public places, prevented from engaging in legitimate activities and, in some cases, subjected to physical and verbal abuse by enforcement agents. He described the actions as a clear violation of their fundamental human rights.

Also speaking at the press conference, Malam Abubakar Sarkin Makafin Tudun Wada in Kaduna South Local Government Area of Kaduna State accused some government officials in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and Lagos State of directly participating in the alleged harassment and intimidation of persons with special needs. He claimed that officials who are expected to protect vulnerable citizens were instead contributing to their suffering.

Malam Abubakar called on the authorities concerned to urgently put an end to such practices and ensure that persons with special needs are treated with dignity and fairness. He stressed that discrimination against persons with disabilities undermines social justice and national unity.

The association therefore appealed to the Federal Government to intervene by investigating the allegations and enforcing disability laws across the country. It urged the government to ensure full implementation of policies aimed at protecting the rights, welfare and inclusion of persons with special needs.

The group emphasized that persons with special needs deserve equal treatment and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to national development, calling on all levels of government to uphold their responsibilities towards inclusive governance