the Gombe State Government has successfully rescued a 14-year-old girl who was forcibly married off to an elderly man as his third or possibly fourth wife in neighboring Taraba State. The rescue operation, confirmed by the Gombe State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Asma’u Iganus, marks a significant step in the state’s ongoing efforts to eradicate harmful cultural practices and protect vulnerable minors from exploitation. This heart-wrenching case has sparked renewed conversations about child marriage, gender equality, and the enforcement of protective laws in Nigeria.
The young girl, whose identity has been withheld for her safety, was reportedly married off against her will in a clandestine arrangement orchestrated by her grandfather and parents. According to reports, the marriage took place without the girl’s consent, violating both her fundamental rights and the legal protections enshrined in Gombe State’s Child Protection Law and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act. The groom, described as an elderly man already married to multiple wives, represented a stark power imbalance, raising serious concerns about the physical, emotional, and psychological toll on the young girl.
The rescue operation was initiated after authorities in Gombe State received a tip-off about the girl’s plight. Acting swiftly, a team from the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, in collaboration with law enforcement, located and safely extracted the minor from the marriage. Commissioner Asma’u Iganus, speaking to local media, underscored the state government’s zero-tolerance policy toward child rights violations. “We are committed to ensuring that every child in Gombe State is protected from abuse, exploitation, and harmful practices such as forced marriage,” she stated. “This rescue is a testament to our resolve to uphold the dignity and rights of our children.”
Barrister Marilyn Na’omi, a representative from the Gombe State Ministry of Justice, also weighed in on the case, promising that those responsible for arranging the marriage would face legal consequences. “This is not just a violation of the girl’s rights; it is a crime under the laws of Gombe State,” Na’omi declared. “We will ensure that justice is served, and this case will serve as a deterrent to others who perpetrate such acts.” The Ministry of Justice is reportedly investigating the circumstances surrounding the marriage, including the roles played by the girl’s family and the groom.
This case highlights the persistent challenge of child marriage in parts of Nigeria, where cultural and socioeconomic factors often drive families to marry off young girls, sometimes as young as 12 or 13, to older men. According to UNICEF, Nigeria has one of the highest rates of child marriage globally, with 28% of girls aged 15–19 married, and the northern regions, including Gombe, face particularly high prevalence due to poverty, lack of education, and entrenched traditional practices. These marriages often rob girls of their childhood, education, and opportunities, while exposing them to health risks, domestic violence, and psychological trauma.
The Gombe State Government’s intervention is part of a broader initiative to address these systemic issues. The state has been proactive in implementing the Child Protection Law, which sets the minimum age of marriage at 18 and criminalizes forced marriages. Additionally, the VAPP Act provides a legal framework to prosecute cases of violence and exploitation, including those involving minors. Community sensitization programs have also been rolled out to educate families and traditional leaders about the dangers of child marriage and the importance of girls’ education and empowerment.
The rescued girl is now under the care of the Gombe State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, where she is receiving psychosocial support and medical attention. Plans are underway to reintegrate her into her community, with a focus on ensuring her access to education and a safe environment. “Our priority is the well-being of this child,” Commissioner Iganus emphasized. “We are working to ensure she is empowered to rebuild her life and pursue her dreams.”
The rescue has garnered praise from child rights advocates and civil society organizations, who see it as a victory for justice and a call to action for other states to intensify efforts against child marriage. However, advocates also stress that more needs to be done to address the root causes, such as poverty and lack of access to education, which perpetuate the practice. “This is a step in the right direction, but we need sustained efforts to change mindsets and provide economic support to families so that girls are not seen as burdens to be offloaded through marriage,” said Aisha Bello, a local activist working on gender equality.
The case has also sparked discussions on social media, with many Nigerians applauding the Gombe State Government’s swift action while calling for stricter enforcement of laws and harsher penalties for perpetrators. Posts on X have highlighted the need for nationwide reforms to protect young girls, with users sharing stories of similar cases and urging authorities to prioritize child welfare.
As the investigation continues, the Gombe State Government has vowed to leave no stone unturned in ensuring justice for the 14-year-old girl. This rescue serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of vigilance, community action, and robust legal frameworks in the fight against child marriage. For now, the young girl is safe, and her story is a beacon of hope for countless others still trapped in similar circumstances, signaling that change, though gradual, is possible in the quest for a brighter, safer future for Nigeria’s girls.
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