Enugu State Government has announced the nullification of an underage marriage between a teenager, Amarachi, and a man in Enugu Ezike, Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, following reports of the marriage circulating on social media.
The State Commissioner for Gender, Women and Children Affairs, Ngozi Eni, disclosed this in a statement issued today, saying the state intervened to nullify the illegal marriage, which had already been consummated.
According to the statement, the commissioner had earlier invited the couple and their families to explain why such a young girl was given out in marriage, considering the negative effects of underage marriage, including risks of cervical cancer, psychological trauma, and other consequences.
The commissioner, upon their failure to appear before the ministry, made arrangements that led to the arrest of both parents, the groom, and the matchmaker, a native doctor.
The statement noted that the bride, Amarachi, said she was forced into the marriage and had never been to school.
In a private conversation, she confirmed she never wanted the marriage.
The mother of the groom reportedly said he was an only son and that was the reason she had to secure a wife for him, but she reportedly kept silent when informed that an underage girl could not be taken as a wife.
The matchmaker, Mrs Patience, a native doctor identified as an Ezenwanyi, claimed she was unaware that underage marriage was a crime.
The legal team of the ministry explained the relevant laws, including the Child Rights Law, and the penalties associated with child marriage.
The Permanent Secretary and the Head of Department for Child Affairs also educated the parties on gender-based violence, child rights, and the risks associated with early marriage, such as vesicovaginal fistula and cervical cancer.
Those involved have been handed over to security authorities for further investigation, while Amarachi and a two-year-old baby, whose mother has yet to be identified, were handed over to the Head of Department for Child Affairs.
Hon Eni said the state government would take necessary measures to nurture and empower Amarachi through education while officially nullifying the marriage.
She also thanked the Chairman of Igbo-Eze North Local Government, Michael Ogalla; the House of Assembly member representing the constituency; and the Chairman of the Enugu State Civil Service Commission for their swift response.
Daily Source gathered that the man married the 13-year-old girl in an elaborate ceremony.
Reports said the girl’s parents and a woman known as Ezenwanyi, who allegedly arranged and facilitated the union, were detained following widespread public complaints.
The incident sparked strong reactions within the community and on social media, with many condemning the act and calling for stricter enforcement of child protection laws.
