The Enugu State Government has officially nullified an underage marriage involving a 13-year-old girl, identified as Amarachi, after disturbing reports and images of the ceremony surfaced online. The marriage, conducted in Enugu Ezike in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, immediately sparked intense outrage across social media and within the community, prompting an urgent government intervention.
According to a detailed statement issued on Thursday by the Commissioner for Gender, Women and Children Affairs, Ngozi Eni, the ministry was alerted after photos and eyewitness accounts revealed that the minor had been married off to an adult man in a fully organised traditional ceremony, allegedly arranged by the groom’s family with support from a native doctor known as an Ezenwanyi.
Families Decline Ministry Invitation, Triggering Arrests
Commissioner Eni explained that the ministry initially extended a formal invitation to the families involved, including the groom, his parents, and the matchmaker, asking them to provide justification for arranging and endorsing a marriage involving a minor. Despite the gravity of the issue and the clear legal implications, none of the parties honoured the summons.
Following their refusal, the ministry escalated the matter, working with security agencies to arrest all adults involved. “Upon their failure to appear before the ministry, arrangements were made for their arrest—both parents, the groom, and the matchmaker, a native doctor,” the statement emphasized.
Victim Reveals She Was Forced Into Marriage
During a private conversation with ministry officials, Amarachi disclosed that she had been forced into the marriage and had no prior education. She confirmed that she did not consent to becoming a bride and expressed relief after being removed from the situation.
The groom’s mother reportedly defended her actions by claiming her son was an only child and needed a wife. However, she offered no explanation after being informed that marrying off an underage girl constituted a serious offence under the Child Rights Law.
Ministry Educates Arrested Parties on Child Rights and Health Risks
The statement added that the ministry’s legal department briefed the arrested individuals on the legal consequences of marrying or facilitating the marriage of a minor. Health officers also highlighted the medical and psychological dangers of early marriage, including the risks of cervical cancer, vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF), emotional trauma, and developmental instability.
A two-year-old child found in the custody of the group—whose mother has not yet been identified—was also taken into protective care.
Government Takes Custody of Amarachi, Promises Education and Rehabilitation
The state government has placed Amarachi under official protection and plans to rehabilitate her through psychosocial support, formal education, and long-term empowerment programmes. “The state government will nurture and empower Amarachi through education while officially nullifying the marriage,” Eni confirmed.
Officials Commended as Public Demands Stronger Enforcement
Commissioner Eni commended the swift intervention of local authorities, including the Chairman of Igbo-Eze North LGA, Hon. Michael Ogalla, the constituency’s House of Assembly representative, and the Chairman of the Enugu State Civil Service Commission, noting their roles in accelerating government action.
The incident continues to generate public discussion across the state, with many Nigerians calling for stricter enforcement of existing child protection laws and harsher penalties for enablers of underage marriage.
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