Cleric makes case for children with abnormalities, special needs

By Akon Eddy, Kaduna

A Kaduna-based cleric, Pastor Yohanna Buru has called on Nigerians to show love to children with physical abnormalities and special needs living in their midst.

The cleric made the call while speaking to the media in Kaduna on Friday.

Pastor Buru, who is also the General Overseer, Christ Evangelical Intercessory Fellowship Ministry, Sabon Tasha, Kaduna south, said children with physical abnormalities and special needs may face extinction in Africa due to increasing discrimination, hatred, stigma, rejection at home, community and schools.

Buru said; “Parents whose children has unnatural look usually hide them at home. Some even kill them while yet others send them away or throw them somewhere very far away.

“This children faces all forms of child right violation, humiliation and intimidation at home and communities due to their unusual and natural looks.

“There are daily challenges confronting the survivors of this children in as a result of neglects and total rejection.

“Normally, this start from such children’s home down to the communities, as many of them are kept away from the public.

“There is a reason why God created children with special needs, destitute etc, adding that any one looking down or poking fun at them is fighting with the God.

“Parents and communities should love, care and support this children and destitute.

“I’m appealing to parents with such children to stop hiding them,” he added.