The Enugu State Government has stepped in to stop and nullify the forced marriage of a teenage girl, Amarachi, to an adult man in Enugu Ezike, Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, after videos and reports of the incident circulated online.
Hon. Ngozi Eni, the Commissioner for Gender, Women, and Children Affairs, said the government moved swiftly to dissolve the illegal union, which had already been consummated. She noted that the ministry initially invited all parties involved to explain why such a young girl was given out in marriage despite the serious health, psychological, and legal consequences of child marriage. When they ignored the invitation, the ministry arranged for their arrest.
Those apprehended include Amarachi’s parents, the parents of the groom, the groom himself, and the matchmaker — a native doctor identified as Mrs. Patience.
During questioning, Amarachi revealed that she was forced into the marriage and had never attended school. She stated privately that she did not want the marriage in the first place. The groom’s mother claimed she arranged the marriage because her son was an only child, but she became silent when told it was unlawful to marry off an underage girl.
The matchmaker, Mrs. Patience, said she did not know child marriage was a crime. The ministry’s legal team then educated all parties on the Child Rights Law and the penalties associated with child marriage. The Permanent Secretary and Head of Child Department further enlightened them on gender-based violence, the rights of children, and the health dangers of early marriage, including risks such as Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) and cervical cancer.
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All individuals involved in the incident have been handed over to security agencies for further investigation. Amarachi and a two-year-old child — whose mother has not yet been identified — were placed in the care of the Head of Child Department.
Commissioner Eni said the state government would ensure Amarachi receives proper care, support, and educational opportunities. She confirmed that the illegal marriage will be completely nullified.
She also expressed gratitude to Hon. Ogalla, Chairman of Igbo-Eze North LGA, the constituency’s House of Assembly member, and the Chairman of the Enugu State Civil Service Commission for their prompt intervention and support.
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