TheCable

The association of lawyers with disabilities in Nigeria (ALDIN), has expressed displeasure over the killing of Adetunji Ayaji, a person with disability (PWD) and other PWDs.

Ayaji, a 62-year-old man, was killed in his home at Imasayi community in Yewa north local government area of Ogun state.

The group also decried the alleged murder of Aisha Aminu, a woman living with disability, by Siyaka Mohammed, her 44-year-old boyfriend, in her shop at Obehira, Okene LGA of Kogi state on June 7, 2023.

Ayaji was hacked to death with a machete on July 5 by unknown assailants, who broke into his house when his family members had left for work.

Aminu’s boyfriend reportedly dragged her from the inner chambers of her shop and stabbed her multiple times until she died.

Mohammed was said to have fled after allegedly committing the crime. He has been arrested by the police.

Ikem Uchegbulam, ALDIN’s national president, said the attacks were senseless.

“This deeply shocking attack is another horrific reminder of the real threats of violence and insecurity that PWDs and other vulnerable people in the country, continue to face daily in their struggle to survive,” he said.

The association sympathised with the relatives of the victims and the disability community, while restating that the lives of PWDs matter.

He commended the police for arresting Mohammed.

He also lamented that the apparent profiling, targeting and killing of PWDs have continued unabated.

The group urged the authorities to quickly prosecute the suspects to deter others.