The Gombe State Government Has Stepped In To Help A 14-Year-Old Girl Who Was Forced Into Marriage As A Third Wife To A Man In Taraba.

 

Asma’u Iganus, the Gombe Commissioner for Women's Affairs and Social Development, confirmed the rescue. She revealed that the young girl's husband has now started legal proceedings against her because she refused to go back to him after running away from the forced marriage.

The Commissioner shared this information on Friday while giving out aid to the girl at the ministry. The supplies included things like bags of rice and maize, packets of sugar, macaroni, mosquito nets, fabrics, and cooking stoves.

"The Gombe State Government is taking a firm stand against all breaches of children's rights, including forced and underage marriages, rape, and all forms of gender-based violence," she stated.

She added, "We've put together a legal team to make sure this child is protected and allowed to continue her education, as that's what she wishes."

The Commissioner also disclosed that the girl's husband, who already has two wives, allegedly subjected her to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.

Iganus explained, "The man would invite people into the room to help him tie her to the bed and rape her without her consent. You can see the scars on both her wrists. We won't allow that to continue. We're going to Taraba to defend her and ensure she's protected by challenging any legal action that infringes on her rights."

While distributing similar aid in the Aso area, where girls with mental health issues were repeatedly raped, and in Jauro Abare Zirin Gaza, where a two-year-old girl was raped by her stepfather, Iganus stressed the government's dedication to protecting its citizens' rights, especially vulnerable children.

"The Gombe State Governor and the First Lady are taking violence against women and girls very seriously. Their actions show this administration's commitment to fighting child rights violations and improving the well-being of its citizens," she added.

The Girl's Ordeal

The 14-year-old girl, who was forced into the marriage against her will, described her terrifying experience. She said the man would tie her to the bed before beating and raping her.

"Just a month after I arrived there, my grandfather conspired with my parents and arranged the marriage against my wishes. He started beating me and tying me down on the bed before raping me. Sometimes, he'd call people to help him hold my hands and tie me up," she recounted.

She expressed her gratitude to the government for providing her with food, a place to stay, and other vital support, thanking them for their intervention.

"The government has supported me and my relatives with food, bedding, and other help, including money. They've also promised to help me carry on with my education, which stopped after primary school."