14-Year-Old Gombe Girl Rescued from Forced Marriage in Taraba State
The Gombe State Government has intervened in a disturbing case of child abuse, rescuing a 14-year-old girl who was forced into marriage in Taraba State.
According to Asma’u Iganus, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, the affected child was coerced by her grandfather into becoming the fourth wife of a wealthy man, violating her fundamental human rights.
“This is a gross abuse of her rights, and we will not tolerate it. Legal action is underway to secure her freedom and hold the perpetrators accountable,” Iganus stated.
The government has deployed legal experts to handle the case and ensure justice is served. Plans are also being made to reintegrate the girl into society through the AGILE education program. Support includes financial aid, food supplies, and other essentials.
Barrister Marilyn Na’omi Abdu of the Ministry of Justice reaffirmed the government’s stance: “No child should face such a violation. We are committed to pursuing this case to the end.”
The girl, originally from Gombe, said her family moved to Taraba, where her grandfather secretly arranged the marriage.
“They told me they were doing a blood test, only to later say I was married off to a man I didn’t know or love,” she recounted.
She endured physical and emotional abuse, eventually fleeing back to Gombe with visible injuries. “I escaped because I couldn’t take the abuse anymore. I sought help from the Ministry of Women Affairs to reclaim my life.”
This case underscores Gombe State’s firm commitment to protecting women and girls from abuse, forced marriage, and injustice.
