Gombe Govt Rescues 14-Year-Old Girl Forced into Marriage in Taraba

From Rabilu Abubakar, Gombe

The Gombe State Government has stepped in to rescue a 14-year-old girl from an illegal forced marriage in Taraba State, reaffirming its commitment to protecting the rights of women and girls.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Asma’u Iganus, revealed that the girl was coerced into becoming the fourth wife of a wealthy man by her grandfather.

She condemned the act as a grave violation of the girl’s rights.

“This is a gross abuse of her fundamental rights, and we will not tolerate it. Legal action is already underway to secure her freedom and hold the perpetrators accountable,” the commissioner stated.

The state government has assigned legal experts to handle the case, emphasizing its determination to fight for justice.

Plans are also in place to reintegrate the girl into society by enrolling her in the AGILE education program, with financial aid, food supplies, and daily necessities to support her recovery.

Barrister Marilyn Na’omi Abdu of the Ministry of Justice reiterated the government’s resolve. “We are committed to ensuring this case is pursued to the end. No child should face such a violation,” she said.

The girl, originally from Gombe State, recounted her ordeal, explaining that her family moved to Taraba State, where her grandfather secretly arranged her marriage without her consent.

“They told me they were conducting a blood test, only to later inform me that I had been married off to a man I neither knew nor loved,” she said.

The young girl endured abuse and mistreatment during the forced union. Showing visible injuries on her hand, she narrated how she escaped.

“I fled to Gombe because I couldn’t endure his constant abuse. I sought help from the Ministry of Women Affairs to reclaim my life,” she stated.