The Gombe State Government has rescued a 14-year-old girl who was married off to a Taraba man as his third wife.
The Gombe Women affairs and Social Development commissioner, Asma’u Iganus confirmed the rescue said the minor’s husband has initiated legal action against her for refusing to return after fleeing the forced marriage.
She made this disclosure on Friday while presenting relief items to the minor at the ministry. Some of the items include bags of rice, maize, packs of sugar, macaroni, insecticide-treated nets, wrappers and stoves, among others.
“The Gombe state government is standing firm against all forms of child rights violations, including forced and underage marriages, rape, and all Gender-Based Violence,” she said.
“We have mobilised a legal team to ensure that this child is protected and allowed to study because that is what she wants.”
The commissioner disclosed that the girl’s husband, who already has two wives, allegedly subjected her to physical, emotional and sexual abuse.
“The man used to invite some people into the room to help him tie her up on the bed and rape her without her consent,” Iganus said.
“You can see the scars on both her wrists. We will not allow that to continue. We are going to Taraba to defend her and ensure that the girl is protected by challenging any proceedings that violate her rights.”
Iganus, while extending similar palliatives in the Aso area, where mentally challenged girls were continuously raped and Jauro Abare Zirin Gaza, where a two-year-old girl was r3ped by her stepfather, emphasised the government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of its citizens, especially minors subjected to abuse.
“The Gombe State Governor and the First Lady are not taking violence against women and girls for granted. Their actions demonstrate this administration’s dedication to combating child rights violations and promoting the well-being of citizens,” she added.
Narrating her ordeal, the 14-year-old girl, who was forced into marriage against her will, said the man tied her up on the bed before beating and raping her.
“Barely one month after I got there, my grandfather connived with my parents and arranged the marriage against my will. He started beating me and tying me down on the bed before raping me, sometimes, he will call some people to help him hold my hands and tie me,” she said.
She lauded the government for providing her with food, shelter, and other essential support, expressing gratitude for the government’s intervention.
“The government has supported me and my relatives with foodstuffs, sleeping material, and other interventions, including money, and they have promised to support me to continue my education, which was stopped after primary school.”
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
