The Gombe State Government has adopted a resolute stance in support of a 14-year-old girl who escaped a forced marriage in Taraba State.
The minor’s spouse has initiated legal action against her for refusing to return, according to Asma’u Iganus, the Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development. While presenting relief items to the minor at the ministry on Friday, she disclosed this information.
Bags of rice, maize, packets of sugar, macaroni, insecticide-treated nets, wrappers, and stoves are among the items.
Iganus stated, “The Gombe state government is unwavering in its opposition to all forms of child rights violations, including rape, forced and underage marriages, and all forms of gender-based violence.”.
“We have assembled a legal team to guarantee that this child is safeguarded and permitted to pursue her education, as this is her aspiration.”
The commissioner disclosed that the girl’s husband, who already has two wives, allegedly subjected her to physical and emotional abuse. She further stated, “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 further stated, “The scars on both of her wrists are visible.” We will not permit this to persist. We will travel to Taraba to defend the child and guarantee her protection by contesting any proceedings that infringe upon her rights.
Iganus underscored the government’s dedication to protecting the rights of its citizens, particularly minors who are abused, by extending similar palliatives to 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.
“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.
“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 revealed that the girl’s husband, who already has two wives, reportedly 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.”
“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