The Enugu State Government has nullified a marriage between an underaged girl, Amarachi, and an adult man. Videos and photos from the wedding ceremony marriage held in Amufie community in Enugu Ezike, Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area recently surfaced on social media, sparking public outrage.a The Commissioner for Gender, Women and Children Affairs, Ngozi Eni, who confirmed the development in a statement on Thursday, November 27, said the state intervened immediately to halt the illegal and harmful union, which officials confirmed had already been consummated. She disclosed that the ministry had invited the families for questioning to understand why a child was given out in marriage despite the grave psychological, health, and legal implications, including risks of cervical cancer and other complications associated with early marriage. However, when the parties failed to honour the invitation, the ministry facilitated their arrest. According to a statement, those taken into custody include Amarachis parents, the grooms parents, the groom, and the matchmaker identified as Mrs. Patience, a native doctor who claimed ignorance of the criminality of child marriage. The ministry claimed that during a private interaction with its officials, Amarachi revealed she had been forced into the marriage and had never attended school. The grooms mother admitted she wanted a wife for her only son but offered no justification for selecting an underage girl, the statement read. The matchmaker, named Patience, a native doctor, claimed she was unaware that underage marriage was a crime. The ministrys legal team briefed all parties on the Child Rights Law and penalties for child marriage, while officials educated them on gender-based violence and the medical risks associated with early marriage, including vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) and cervical cancer." The statement noted that authorities have handed the suspects over to security agencies for further investigation. "Amarachi and a two-year-old childwhose mother has yet to be identifiedare now in the care of the ministrys Head of Child Unit," the statement noted. The Commissioner Eni reaffirmed the governments commitment to ensuring Amarachi receives proper education and rehabilitation. She also expressed appreciation to Igbo-Eze North Local Government Chairman, Ogalla, the constituencys House of Assembly member, and the Chairman of the Enugu State Civil Service Commission for their prompt intervention.
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