Child Marriage Nullified in Enugu; Authorities Arrest Groom, Parents
The Enugu State Government has nullified an underage marriage involving a teenage girl in Enugu Ezike, Igbo-Eze North LGA, after reports of the forced union circulated on social media.
The Commissioner for Gender, Women and Children Affairs, Ngozi Eni, confirmed that all parties involved, including the parents of the girl, the parents of the groom, the groom himself, and the matchmaker, were arrested after failing to honour an invitation to the ministry.
The teenager, who disclosed that she had never been to school, told officials she was forced into the marriage and did not consent to it. The ministry’s legal team briefed the parties on the Child Rights Law and the penalties associated with child marriage.
The individuals have been handed over to security authorities for further investigation, while the girl has been placed under the care of the ministry. The state government said it will ensure her education, safety, and rehabilitation.
The Concerned Igbo-Eze North Youths praised the swift intervention, describing it as a reaffirmation of the state’s commitment to protecting children from abuse and exploitation.
This incident underscores the protection of children from sexual abuse and exploitation, including forced or underage marriage, and affirms every child’s right to be safeguarded from practices that violate these rights.
