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GROUPS CONDEMN STIGMATIZATION OF MISSING CHILD BY WOMEN AT AZIKIWE POLICE STATION, PORT HARCOURT


The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Rivers State Chapter, has expressed profound dismay over the stigmatization of a deaf and mute child by women,  including Police officers—particularly mothers—who were present at the Azikiwe Police Division when the child was brought in for safety.  

According to reports, the National Coordinator, Centre for Basic Rights Protection And Accountability Campaign, Prince Wiro who had found the missing child on the road, and took her to the police station, in a bid to identify her parents and guardian, but was met with what he described as “stigmatization” by some women in the station, her instead of show empathy or compassion on the child.

In a statement jointly signed by the Chairperson, Susan Serekara-Nwikhana, and the Secretary, Precious Ahiakwo-Ovie, NAWOJ condemned the cruel remarks and lack of empathy displayed by some mothers at the station, who reportedly dismissed the child as an "imbecile" undeserving of care.  

"It is utterly disgraceful that women, who should naturally be protectors of vulnerable children, were the ones mocking a helpless minor simply because of her disability," the statement read. "This cruel behavior is not only a failure of basic humanity but also a reflection of the deep-seated stigma and ignorance that still plague our society."

NAWOJ commended human rights advocate Prince Wiro for his swift intervention in rescuing the child and ensuring her safety. The association called on the police and social welfare agencies to expedite efforts in reuniting the child with her family while ensuring her proper care.  

A Call for Societal Change

The association emphasized that mothers, as primary caregivers, should lead in showing compassion, not cruelty, toward children with disabilities. NAWOJ urged community leaders, women groups, and civil society organizations to intensify advocacy against the stigmatization of persons with disabilities.  

"How can we build an inclusive society if even mothers—who should nurture and protect—are the ones dehumanizing a child in need?" the statement questioned. "We demand immediate reorientation programs to address this toxic mindset and call on the Rivers State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare to take decisive action."

NAWOJ Rivers pledged to monitor the case closely and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure justice and proper rehabilitation for the child. The association also vowed to launch a media campaign to promote disability rights and challenge societal prejudices.  

Also reacting to the issue, a Gender and Human Rights defender, Josiah Egbilika condemned the uncharacteristic act of stigmatization of these women, pointing out that the act reveals the inhumane nature of the society towards persons with disability.

While expressing his disgust on the attitude of the women, he reiterated that women should be caregivers, compassionate and not antagonist towards people with disabilities, stressing that such acts of the women should not go unpunished.

He called on the Nigerian Police to call its officers to order, and to ensure justice is served.

Egbilika thanked the Prince Wiro for his role towards ensuring the safety of the girl child, urging civil society organizations and non-governmental organizations, to enhance their advocacy towards protecting girl child and persons with disabilities.

He charged CSOs to lend their voices on situations like this, as such an act is capable of downplaying the good efforts of the CSOs towards the struggle for equity, human rights and social justice. 




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