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Summary
A teenager in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State reportedly took her own life after her father forced her to marry one of his friends. This has sparked outrage and renewed calls for capital punishment for child marriage.
A girl has committed suicide after being forced into marriage by her father in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State, Nigeria, on 19 October 2025.,
According to reports, the girl, whose identity has not been officially released, was said to have been in deep emotional distress, ended her life after persistent pressure from her family to proceed with the arranged marriage.
Bukar Fantami Gubio, a local child protection volunteer, confirmed the incident. He revealed that the deceased had earlier expressed her unwillingness to marry the man chosen by her father, insisting that she was in love with another person of her choice.
He urged human rights organisations and law enforcement agencies to investigate the matter and ensure justice, and take steps to prevent similar cases in the future.
Gubio also appealed to parents and community leaders to respect the rights and choices of young women regarding marriage, emphasising that forced unions are a serious violation of human rights.
“This incident is a painful reminder of the need to protect the freedom, dignity, and well-being of young women from all forms of coercion and abuse,” he added.
In a statement made by ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, spokesperson for the command, the Commissioner of Police, Naziru Abdulmajid, has ordered an inquiry to determine the facts and circumstances surrounding the case.
Forced and child marriage remain rooted issues in various parts of Nigeria, especially in regions affected by poverty, cultural traditions, and weak enforcement of child‐rights laws.
Research indicates that girls in early marriages are at higher risk of psychological harm — including depression, loss of autonomy, social isolation and, in extreme cases, suicide.
