The African Action Congress (AAC) has raised serious concerns over the harrowing attack on Margret Joshua, a 20-year-old deaf woman, who was viciously assaulted in Tula Baule Yakku, within Kaltungo Local Government Area of Gombe State on May 27. According to the party, Margret was assaulted while washing clothes by the riverside when Abubakar Lamido, the alleged attacker, attempted to sexually assault her. Upon her resistance, Lamido reportedly subjected her to a severe beating that caused internal injuries, necessitating emergency surgical treatment.
Comrade Bobo Benson-Bagwiba, chairman of the AAC, spoke on the incident during a conversation with our correspondent in Gombe, describing the attack as not only a grave case of gender-based violence but also a glaring illustration of the heightened vulnerability faced by persons with disabilities in rural communities across Nigeria. He stressed, “Margret’s ordeal is deeply disturbing and unacceptable. There must be a swift, transparent, and uncompromising pursuit of justice.”
Information gathered reveals that Margret’s family promptly reported the matter to the Tula Division of the Nigeria Police Force. While Lamido was detained and questioned, he denied the allegations, claiming his only action was holding Margret’s hand. However, medical examinations conducted at Bambam Cottage Hospital and later at Kaltungo General Hospital confirmed the presence of internal bleeding, which led to the need for urgent surgical intervention.
The AAC has strongly condemned the assault and issued demands for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the suspect. They have also called for Lamido to bear full financial responsibility for Margret’s medical expenses and for the protection of her family, who reportedly face intimidation and pressure from some members of the community. The party’s firm stance highlights the urgent need for justice and protection for vulnerable individuals in Nigeria’s rural areas.
