The Enugu State Government has intensified its campaign against child marriage with the arrest of the groom, his parents, the bride’s parents and a matchmaker involved in the forced marriage of a 13 year old girl identified as Amarachi in Amufie community, Enugu Ezike in Igbo Eze North Local Government Area.
The arrests were confirmed by the Commissioner for Gender, Women and Children Affairs, Hon. Ngozi Eni. She said the intervention followed the circulation of viral videos showing the young girl being married off in a traditional ceremony. According to her, the ministry initially invited all parties to explain their roles in the incident, but none of them honoured the summons. Their refusal prompted immediate enforcement action.
“We invited them to the ministry to explain why a child was given out in marriage, but they refused to come. Their refusal suggested complicity, so we initiated their arrest. The state will not tolerate any violation of the Child Rights Law,” Eni said.
The commissioner added that the girl’s age was verified, confirming that she was only 13, which is far below the legal age for marriage. She noted that the marriage had already been consummated by the time the ministry received the report, which increased the urgency of the government’s response.
Those arrested include the groom, his parents and a native doctor identified as Mrs Patience, who arranged the union. Ministry officials said the matchmaker claimed she was not aware that child marriage is a criminal offence under the Enugu State Child Rights Law.
During initial questioning, the groom’s mother reportedly defended the marriage by saying that their son was an only child and needed a wife. Officials said she could not justify marrying off a minor when confronted with the legal and health risks involved.
Amarachi has been taken into protective custody by the state government. Officials reported that she disclosed that she had never attended school and was forced into the marriage without her consent. During the rescue operation, a two year old baby was also found at the residence. Authorities said the identity of the child’s mother remains unclear, and the baby has also been placed under government care pending investigation.
Eni explained that the ministry’s legal team briefed the detainees on the penalties for violating child rights protections. Senior officials also sensitised them on gender based violence and the severe health consequences of early marriage. These include risks such as vesicovaginal fistula, cervical cancer, complicated childbirth and long term psychological trauma.
All arrested individuals have been handed over to security agencies for further interrogation. The ministry has begun legal processes to nullify the marriage and ensure that the minor receives rehabilitation, education and psychosocial support.
Eni commended the cooperation of the Chairman of Igbo Eze North Local Government Area, Hon. Ogalla, the constituency’s member of the House of Assembly and the Chairman of the Enugu State Civil Service Commission. She said their involvement ensured a coordinated response and the successful rescue of the victim.
The commissioner reiterated that the state government remains committed to enforcing the Child Rights Law and protecting vulnerable children from harmful cultural practices.
Comments
Post a Comment