AAC Condemns Brutal Assault On Deaf Girl In Gombe, Demands Justice and Protection

Tula Baule, Gombe State – June 20, 2025

The African Action Congress (AAC) has condemned the brutal assault of Margret Joshua, a 20-year-old deaf girl, in the Tula Baule Yakku community of Kaltungo Local Government Area, Gombe State. The incident occurred on May 27 while Margret was washing clothes by the riverside.

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According to the AAC, Margret was attacked by one Abubakar Lamido, who allegedly attempted to rape her. When she resisted, Lamido reportedly beat her severely, inflicting internal injuries that required emergency surgery.

Speaking to Arewa PUNCH, AAC Chairman Comrade Bobo Benson-Bagwiba described the attack as a harrowing case of gender-based violence and a reflection of the systemic neglect of persons living with disabilities in rural communities.

“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,” Benson-Bagwiba said. “Margret’s ordeal is unacceptable, and justice must be swift, transparent, and uncompromising.”

The victim’s family reported the case to the Tula Division of the Nigeria Police Force. Although Lamido was taken in for questioning, he denied the allegations, claiming he only held Margret’s hand. However, medical examinations at Bambam Cottage Hospital and Kaltungo General Hospital confirmed internal bleeding, necessitating urgent surgical intervention.

The AAC, in a strongly worded statement, called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the suspect. The party also demanded that Lamido bear the cost of Margret’s medical treatment and that her family be given full protection following reports of community intimidation.

“We are deeply disturbed by reports that Margret’s family is being harassed in the aftermath of the incident,” Benson-Bagwiba said. “This is not just about one victim – it’s about a larger system that too often fails people like her.”

The party urged the Divisional Police Officer of Tula, the Gombe State Commissioner of Police, Yahaya Bello, and the Department of State Services (DSS) to take immediate action to protect the victim and bring the perpetrator to justice.

“We are watching closely. Justice must not only be done; it must be seen to be done,” Benson-Bagwiba emphasized.

In its appeal, the AAC called on the Gombe State Government, the National Human Rights Commission, civil society organizations, disability rights advocates, the media, and the general public to rally behind Margret and support broader reforms to protect vulnerable groups from abuse.

“This is not just a call for justice,” the AAC stated. “It is a call for systemic change to end impunity for gender-based violence – especially against women and girls with disabilities.”

The party further pledged legal support for Margret and her family, committing to ensure her full physical and emotional recovery.