The Association of Lawyers with Disabilities in Nigeria (ALDIN) utterly decries the brutal and despicable rape and murder of Uche, a 13-year-old girl with disability who was raped to death in the most bestial and barbaric manner on the 23rd day of September 2023, at Aborjieze village in Umuagu-Inyi Autonomous Community in Oji River Local Government Area, Enugu State
The widely reported news suggests that, Uche Cyril Ajala Onwuzuru, a minor with hearing and speech impairment was savagely, unconscionably and sexually molested to the point that the little girl lost her life immediately after the act, by a 70 year-old man identified as Anthony Mgbenwa Okpara. Reacting to the news, the National President of ALDIN, Ikem U. Uchegbulam Esq, said “We condemn in the strongest possible terms this despicable, reprehensible, and condemnable sexual predation and assault on a minor with disability,”
The Association is deeply worried that this heinous act of raping and murdering persons with disabilities is becoming a pattern and signs of a broader societal problem which must be stem with extreme urgency, anything short of this will undermine Nigeria’s legal system and the foundation of our moral existence
ALDIN express it’s heartfelt condolences to the family, and the Disability community on the tragic and unfortunate event. While restating it’s unalloyed commitment to pursuing the case to its logical conclusion and ensuring that Justice is done.
It further urged the police and authorities to comprehensively and thoroughly investigate and prosecute all responsible parties to the maximum extent of the law as well as to step up to their responsibilities of not just solving rape and murders and other crimes but prevention of such heinous crimes.
ALDIN further urge members of the public to unite against this animalistic brutality and supports justice for her, and to be vigilant and always intervene and protect persons with Disabilities and vulnerable members of the society.
May the good Lord grant us His comfort in this time of grief, Amen.
Signed
Justice Christopher
Director Media and Publicity
ALDIN National
