Physically Challenged Protester Alleges Assault by Bauchi State Security Operatives

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Emmynet24 – A physically challenged protester, Hamza Waziri, has accused security operatives attached to the Bauchi State Government House of assaulting him during the ongoing End Bad Governance protest.

A video circulating online shows security operatives wrestling with Waziri, who uses a wheelchair. Speaking to journalists, Waziri, leader of the Initiative for the Liberalisation of Physically Challenged People, explained that he and other individuals with disabilities were peacefully protesting near the Government House when they were attacked.

"I decided to organise this protest to show my displeasure with the current economic situation of the country," Waziri said. "In the process, I was doing a live video, so one of the policemen came to me and said that I had filmed him. They were trying to grab the phone from me, wrestling with me, and brutalising me. They gave me a couple of punches, as you can see from the video."

Waziri emphasized that their protest was peaceful, with fewer than ten participants. He was the only one standing in front of the Government House, holding placards with messages such as "Employment should be for all," "Everybody should be allowed to be employed," and "Inclusive Society."

Meanwhile, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident and condemned the actions of the security personnel involved. The governor, through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, assured the public that the officers involved will be held accountable if found to have acted improperly.

“Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident involving a person with a disability and security personnel at the government house,” the statement read. “The incident, which occurred on August 1, 2024, during the #EndBadGovernance protest, was captured in a viral video and has sparked widespread concern."

Governor Mohammed emphasized that the welfare and rights of all citizens, especially vulnerable groups, remain his top priority. He directed a thorough investigation to ascertain the facts surrounding the incident and ensure that justice is served.

The government appealed to the residents of Bauchi State and Nigerians, in general, to remain calm and abide by all rules and regulations during and after the demonstrations.