The Enugu State Government has cancelled the illegal marriage between an underage girl, Amarachi, and an adult man after videos and photos of their wedding in Amufie community, Enugu Ezike, surfaced on social media and triggered widespread outrage.
Newsonspot reports that according to a statement released on Thursday, November 27, by the Commissioner for Gender, Women and Children Affairs, Ngozi Eni, the state moved quickly to stop the “harmful and unlawful union,” which officials discovered had already been consummated.
The ministry invited both families for questioning to understand why a minor was given out in marriage despite the serious health, psychological, and legal risks, including threats of cervical cancer and other complications linked to child marriage. When the families failed to appear, the ministry facilitated their arrest.
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Those taken into custody include Amarachi’s parents, the groom, his parents, and the matchmaker, identified as Mrs. Patience – a native doctor who claimed she was unaware that child marriage is a criminal offence.
During a private session with officials, Amarachi revealed she was forced into the marriage and had never been to school. The groom’s mother admitted she simply wanted a wife for her only son but gave no reason for choosing a child.
The ministry further briefed all parties on the Child Rights Law and the penalties for child marriage. Officials also educated them on gender-based violence and the medical dangers associated with early marriage, such as vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) and cervical cancer.
The suspects have been handed over to security agencies for further investigation.
