Source: Sahara Reporters
In Bayelsa State, Nigeria, a shocking incident occurred where a 54-year-old man, identified as Elder Akpos, married a four-year-old girl. This event, which took place in the Akeddei community in the Sagbama Local Government Area, has been strongly condemned by child rights advocacy groups, including the Do Foundation. The marriage, held on Boxing Day, has been described as illegal and criminal, violating the Nigerian Constitution and the Child Rights Act.
The unusual marriage was reportedly based on the claim by the girl’s parents that Elder Akpos was her husband in past lives. Community sources revealed that the young girl insisted Elder Akpos was her husband who had died mysteriously in his previous life. She claimed to have been reincarnated multiple times, always in search of her former husband. The community, believing in the possibility of losing the girl to death if the marriage did not occur, organized what was described as a “glamorous wedding ceremony” to unite the alleged past life lovers.
However, the Do Foundation, led by Elvis Mannie Esq. in Bayelsa State, has strongly criticized this act. The foundation confirmed the development and launched an investigation to protect the child. It emphasized that the Child Rights Law, domesticated in Bayelsa State in 2016, criminalizes child marriages and betrothals, imposing penalties of imprisonment and heavy fines for such offenses. The organization urged the Bayelsa State Government, the Gender Response Initiative Team, and security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation, protect the child from sexual exploitation, and prosecute all involved in this event.
ASP Musa Mohammed, the spokesperson for the state police command, stated that he was not aware of the marriage but promised to investigate further by contacting the Divisional Police Officer in the area. This case highlights the clash between traditional beliefs and modern laws, underscoring the challenges faced in protecting child rights in certain cultural contexts.
Source of Image: AP Photo/Sunday Alamba, File