AAC Demands Justice for Deaf Woman Brutally Assaulted in Gombe

The African Action Congress (ACC) is seeking justice for Margret Joshua, a 20-year-old deaf girl who was brutally assaulted by Abubakar Lamido on May 27 in Tula Baule Yakku, Kaltungo Local Government Area.

Margret was attacked while washing clothes on the riverbank by an alleged assailant, Abubakar Lamido, who tried to rape her. Lamido repeatedly beat her, causing internal injuries that required emergency surgery.

According to Punch newspaper, Comrade Bobo Benson Bagwiba, the chairman of the AAC, lamented the situation in a chat with our Arewa Punch in Bombe state, saying, “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 areas.”

Margret’s family reported the case to the Nigerian Police Force’s Tula Division. Lamido, the alleged assailant, denied the attack and claimed to have only held her hand.

Margret was diagnosed with internal bleeding after medical examinations at Bambam Cottage Hospital and Kaltungo General Hospital, prompting immediate surgical intervention.

The African Action Congress (AAC) gave the alleged a strong term and listed demands, including the suspect’s immediate arrest, financial responsibility for Margret’s medical care, and full protection for her family, who are constantly subjected to community pressure and intimidation.

Benson Bagwiba stated, “We are deeply disturbed by reports that Margret So’s family is being harassed in the aftermath of the incident. This is not about one victim; it is about a larger system that frequently fails people like her. We are watching closely. Justice must be not only done, but also seen to be done. He added.

The AAC stated, “This is not just a call for justice, but a call for systematic change to end the impunity of gender-based violence, particularly against women and girls with disabilities.”