The Enugu State Government has officially nullified the illegal union of a 13-year-old girl, identified as Amarachi, to an adult man in the Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area. The intervention, announced today by Commissioner for Gender, Women and Children Affairs, Hon. Ngozi Eni, shows the state’s commitment to protecting minors from harmful traditional practices that violate Nigeria’s Child Rights Act.
The marriage, which had already been consummated, came to light after reports surfaced on social media, causing widespread outrage. Acting swiftly, Eni invited the couple and their families for questioning, where Amarachi confessed she had been coerced into the union against her will. “The mother of the groom claimed he was an only son and needed a wife secured for him, but she fell silent when reminded that no underage girl could be forced into such a role,” Eni revealed in a statement released Thursday.
Underage marriage remains a persistent challenge in parts of Nigeria, particularly in rural communities where poverty and cultural norms often intersect. The practice exposes young girls to severe health risks, including cervical cancer, obstetric fistula, and lifelong psychological trauma, as highlighted by Eni during the intervention. Nigeria’s Child Rights Act of 2003 sets the minimum marriage age at 18, a law Enugu State has fully domesticated to safeguard vulnerable children.
The government has pledged comprehensive support for Amarachi’s rehabilitation, including access to quality education and empowerment programs to rebuild her future. “We will take all necessary measures to nurture and empower her, ensuring she thrives beyond this ordeal,” Eni assured. The commissioner extended gratitude to key stakeholders, including Igbo-Eze North LGA Chairman Hon. Uche Ogalla (noted in some reports as Michael Ogalla), the local House of Assembly member, and the Enugu State Civil Service Commission Chairman, for their rapid collaboration in dissolving the marriage.
This incident shows efforts in Enugu to eradicate child marriage and related harms like female genital mutilation. In 2021, the state’s Council of Traditional Rulers publicly vowed to end such practices, aligning with national and international calls from the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development. Despite progress, challenges persist in northern states where cultural and religious factors have delayed full implementation of the Child Rights Act.
Eni’s office emphasized that this nullification serves as a stern warning: “No tradition justifies robbing a child of her rights.” Advocacy groups have hailed the action as a beacon for other states, urging federal reinforcement of anti-child marriage laws.
