A Non-Governmental Organisation, the Joshua Kingsley Benneth, Disabilities Rights and Support Initiatives, has raised fresh concerns over the rising insecurity in the country and its impact on Persons With Disabilities.
The organisation says the wave of killings, kidnappings and attacks across several states has continued to expose vulnerable Nigerians—especially Persons With Disabilities—to severe danger, neglect and hardship.
In a statement signed by its Executive Secretary, Joshua Kingsley Benneth, in Abuja notes that recent incidents, including the abduction of schoolchildren in Niger and Kebbi States, as well as attacks in Benue, Taraba, Borno, Kogi and Kwara States, have deepened national fears and worsened economic and social conditions.
According to the statement many citizens have been permanently disabled by these violent assaults, while others with existing disabilities are struggling to escape danger in inaccessible environments.
The statement adds that insecurity has forced families to flee their homes, lose their livelihoods, and pushed many PWDs—especially the elderly—into begging and extreme hardship.
The statement is calling on the Federal Government, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, NEMA, state governments, the Armed Forces and other stakeholders to urgently identify and support PWD victims of attacks.
It says such interventions must include economic empowerment, medical care, psychosocial support and rehabilitation to help survivors reintegrate into their communities.
It also appeals to military authorities to extend support to service men and women who acquired disabilities while defending the nation.
It emphasises that without inclusive crisis response and protection for Persons With Disabilities, the human cost of insecurity will continue to worsen.
The statement is urging authorities and partners to put systems in place to prevent discrimination, neglect and lack of basic needs for PWDs in displacement camps and crisis-affected areas.
