Keep up with the latest news and be part of our weekly giveaways and airtime sharing; follow our WhatsApp channel for more updates. Click to Follow us

The difficulties she had in her forced union with her affluent hubby have been bemoaned by a 14-year-old Gombe girl (names withheld) who was forced into an early child marriage in Taraba State.

The teenage girl told Arewa PUNCH in Gombe about her trauma, claiming that she was forced into marriage with her grandfather’s approval and backing. Her grandfather conspired with her parents to arrange the marriage against her choice.

The teenaged wife claims that her former spouse first ties her down before violently having sex with her.

She explained, “Barely one month after I got there, my grandfather connived with my parents and arranged the marriage against my will. He (erstwhile husband) 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 down.”

She expressed thanks for the government’s action and praised it for giving her food, shelter, and other necessary help, saying, “The government has supported me and my relatives with foodstuffs, sleeping materials, and other interventions, including money, and they have promised to support me to continue my education which was stopped after primary school.”

According to Arewa PUNCH, among the things given to the victim were bags of rice, corn, packs of sugar, macaroni, nets coated with insecticide, wrappers, and a stove.

Asma’u Iganus, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, lamented the survivor’s difficulties and said that instead of feeling sorry and sober, the minor’s “husband” has filed a lawsuit against her for not going back.

Igamus 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 further said that the girl was allegedly abused physically and emotionally by her husband, who already has two wives, emphasizing that, “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 continued, “You can see the scars on her both 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.

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

Please don’t forget to “Allow the notification” so you will be the first to get our gist when we publish it. 
Drop your comment in the section below, and don’t forget to share the post.