Gombe defends 14-year-old girl fleeing forced marriage in Taraba

The Gombe State Government has taken a firm stance in defence of a 14-year-old girl who fled a forced marriage in Taraba State.

According to the Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development, Asma’u Iganus, the minor’s husband has initiated legal action against her for refusing to return.

She made this disclosure on Friday while presenting relief items to the minor at the ministry.

Some of the items include bags of rice, maize, packs of sugar, macaroni, insecticide-treated nets, wrappers and stoves, among others.

Iganus said, “The Gombe state government is standing firm against all forms of child rights violations, including forced and underage marriages, rape, and all Gender-Based Violence.

“We have mobilised a legal team to ensure that this child is protected and allowed to study because that is what she wants.”

The commissioner disclosed that the girl’s husband, who already has two wives, allegedly subjected her to physical and emotional abuse adding, “The man used to invite some people into the room to help him tie her up on the bed and rape her without her consent.”

She added, “You can see the scars on both her wrists. We will not allow that to continue. “We are going to Taraba to defend her and ensure that the girl is protected by challenging any proceedings that violate her rights.”

Iganus, while extending similar palliatives in the Aso area, where mentally challenged girls were continuously raped and Jauro Abare Zirin Gaza, where a two-year-old girl was raped by her stepfather, emphasised the government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of its citizens, especially minors subjected to abuse.

“The Gombe State Governor and the First Lady are not taking violence against women and girls for granted. Their actions demonstrate this administration’s dedication to combating child rights violations and promoting the well-being of citizens,” she added.

The 14-year-old girl, who was forced into marriage against her will, while narrating her ordeal, added, “Barely one month after I got there, my grandfather connived with my parents and arranged the marriage against my will. He started beating me and tying me down on the bed before raping me, sometimes, he will call some people to help him hold my hands and tie me.”

She lauded the government for providing her with food, shelter, and other essential support, expressing gratitude for the government’s intervention.

“The government has supported me and my relatives with foodstuffs, sleeping material, and other interventions, including money, and they have promised to support me to continue my education, which was stopped after primary school,” she said.