Outrage as family denied entry to popular mall over daughter’s disability

A video capturing a family’s distressing experience at a shopping mall in Ilorin, Kwara State, has gone viral on social media.

The footage shows a man, visibly upset, lamenting the decision to deny his family entry due to the condition of his daughter, who has a disability. The incident, which occurred at the Emirate Mall Ilorin, has reignited discussions about discrimination and the need for inclusive spaces in Nigeria.

In the video, the man’s voice is filled with frustration as he questions the mall’s actions. “Is she not a human being, why walking them out,” he asks. He holds his daughter, dressed in a pink outfit, as he addresses the situation, his tone a mix of disbelief and anger. The scene captures the family’s humiliation, with the man’s repeated emphasis on his daughter’s humanity highlighting the injustice they face.

The video also shows the mall’s interior, with other patrons and staff visible, adding to the public nature of the incident. The man’s plea for understanding is palpable, as he seeks to challenge the perception of his daughter. “She’s a human being too,” he asserts, a sentiment that resonates with many viewers.

Online reactions have been overwhelmingly supportive of the family, with users condemning the mall’s decision and urging the man to sue the Ilorin mall for discrimination.