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Summary
The Gombe State Government has rescued a 14-year-old girl who was forced into marriage and abused by a much older man in Taraba. The government is providing her with support and legal protection while pledging to combat child rights violations.
The Gombe State Government has rescued a 14-year-old girl who was married off to a Taraba man as his third wife. The minor, whose identity remains confidential, reportedly escaped from a rural community in Taraba State where she was married off to a man more than three times her age.
The Gombe Women Affairs and Social Development commissioner, Asma’u Iganus, confirmed the rescue and stated that the man has initiated legal action against her for refusing to return after fleeing the forced marriage.
She disclosed this while presenting relief items to the minor at the ministry. Some of the items include bags of rice, maise, packs of sugar, macaroni, insecticide-treated nets, wrappers and stoves, among others.
“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,” she said. “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 disclosed that the man, who already has two wives, subjected her to physical, emotional and sexual abuse.
“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,” Asma’u said. “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 the girl is protected by challenging any proceedings violating her rights.”
Narrating her ordeal, the 14-year-old girl, who was forced into marriage against her will, said the man tied her up on the bed before beating and raping her. She lauded the government for providing her with food, shelter, and other essential support, expressing gratitude for the government’s intervention.
Asma’u 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.
