The government of Enugu State has announced today that it has taken action to invalidate a marriage that took place at Enugu Ezike, Igbo-Eze North Local Government, between a man and a teenager.
Revelations of the forcible marriage have swept the internet.
Ngozi Eni, the commissioner for gender, women, and children affairs in the state of Enugu, stated that the marriage could not stand since the government had to step in.
She mentioned that she had previously approached those involved in an effort to understand why they would marry a teenager, considering the potential consequences.
Their inability to appear before the ministry prompted the commissioner to arrange for their detention. The party consisted of the girl’s parents, the groom’s parents, the matchmaker, a local doctor, and the groom himself.
The youngster allegedly denied ever having attended school and that she was coerced into the marriage.
Reportedly, she stated her disapproval of the marriage.
According to legend, the groom’s parents had to find a bride for their only son.
The native doctor and matchmaker Patience had denied knowing that marriage between minors was illegal.
Ministry attorneys had already briefed the group on the pertinent statutes, such as the Child Right Law and the consequences of marrying a minor.
The individuals concerned have reportedly been turned over to the security forces for additional inquiry, with Amarachi continuing to be affiliated with the ministry.
While the marriage will be invalidated, the commissioner added that the state government would take the required steps to nurture and empower the youngster via education.
Eni expressed gratitude to the Igbo-Eze North Local Government Chairman for his prompt reply.
The Concerned Igbo-Eze North Youth (CINY) have commended the Nigeria Police Force, the Ministry of Gender Affairs, and the Enugu State Government for their prompt action in responding to the public uproar that led to the arrests.
“This action reaffirms the state’s commitment to upholding the rights of children and enforcing laws against child abuse, child marriage, and the violation of minors,” CINY noted.
The group emphasized that everyone is subject to the law and called for the public to remain vigilant in order to uncover crimes that put children in danger. “May justice be served, and may this discourage those who participate in or condone such behavior,” the group prayed.
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