Forum warns of rising extortion, abuse targeting deaf communities
• Urges public help, police action The Deaf Elders Forum in Enugu State has raised the alarm over a rising wave of criminal activity affecting hearing-impaired people and their communities.
• Urges public help, police action
The Deaf Elders Forum in Enugu State has raised the alarm over a rising wave of criminal activity affecting hearing-impaired people and their communities.
It issued a public safety resolution that urges law enforcement and the public to help halt the trend.
In a statement signed by Rev. Dr. Nwora Anaemene, chairman, and Prince Obinna Uchime, secretary, the forum said it has received increasing reports of extortion of money, mobile phone theft and theft of other valuables from vulnerable hearing-impaired individuals.
The statement also cites cases of intimidation, sexual violence and gender based abuse allegedly carried out by a small group within the hearing-impaired community, who reportedly depends on such criminal activity for survival.
The forum said outsiders and others have been coercing some vulnerable, young, hearing-impaired girls into street begging at motor parks, bus stops, filling stations and other public places, adding that these practices are creating fear and uncertainty across communities.
“These actions do not represent the values, culture, or lifestyle of members of Enugu State Association of the Deaf.
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“On the contrary, such behaviour is damaging our collective image, dignity and reputation,” they said.
The forum described itself as a guardian and an advocate for hearing-impaired people in Enugu State, committed to promoting rights, welfare and peaceful coexistence with the wider hearing community.
The statement says disability does not exempt anyone from legal responsibility, warning that individuals found engaging in street begging, extortion, intimidation or violence will face “the full weight of the law.”
As part of its response, the forum said it is collaborating with Nigeria Police and other law enforcement agencies to investigate and eliminate the reported menace.
It issued a stern warning to youths and others exploiting vulnerable members of the hearing-impaired community and called on the public to report illegal activities to the police, the Deaf Elders, or executives of the Enugu State Association of the Deaf through proper channels.
The forum urged unity among recognised members of the hearing-impaired community and appealed for public support to build “a peaceful, harmonious and stable environment for hearing-impaired people in Enugu State.”
