During the #EndBadGovernance protest in Bauchi State, security personnel attached to the Bauchi Government House were involved in a controversial incident where they assaulted a group of protesting Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
The PWDs had joined the protest to voice their grievances and seek government intervention regarding their unemployment and lack of future prospects. They aimed to meet with the Deputy Governor, Auwal Jatau, but were denied access to the Governor’s Office.
A viral video captured the altercation, showing security operatives wrestling with Hamza Waziri, a leader of the Initiative for the Liberalisation of Physically Challenged People, who was in his wheelchair.
Waziri explained that he was peacefully demonstrating and filming the protest when a police officer attempted to seize his phone, leading to a physical confrontation.
He stated, "I decided to organise this protest to show my displeasure with the current economic situation of the country... I was doing a live video so one of the police came to me and said that I had filmed him and they were trying to grab the phone from me."
The incident has sparked widespread concern and outrage among human rights groups and advocates for people with disabilities.
In response, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor, Mukhtar Gidado, issued a statement condemning the actions of the security personnel and assuring the public that a thorough investigation would be conducted.
Gidado emphasized, "The Bauchi State Government is deeply concerned by the viral video of an infraction involving a person with disability and security personnel at a cordoned area at the entrance of Bauchi Government House yesterday, 1st August, 2024 during the #EndBadGovernance protest."
Governor Bala Mohammed has directed that the officers involved be held accountable if found to have acted improperly, reiterating that the welfare and rights of all citizens, especially vulnerable groups, remain his top priority.
The state government urged the public to remain calm and abide by all rules and regulations during and after the demonstration, emphasizing its commitment to upholding justice, fairness, and respect for human rights.
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