The Bayelsa State Government has summoned the parents of a four-year-old girl involved in what appeared to be a traditional marriage ceremony with a 54-year-old man in Akeddei community, Sagbama Local Government Area of the state.
The invitation was also extended to the “groom”, the youth leader, and the chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC).
The state government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Social Development and the State Gender Response Initiative Team (GRIT) condemned the illegal ceremony, noting that Bayelsa state was not in support of any form of child marriage.
The government also vowed to rescue the minor from relations involved in the act.
The statement reads in part:
“We are taking steps to rescue the child from all the key actors in relation to this illegal ceremony that they tagged a ‘mere spiritual affair.’
“The law is clear on issues of tradition and customs that are repugnant to natural justice, equity and good conscience and working with the Bayelsa State police command, we shall ensure incidents like this do not occur in the state again.
“That is why the state government did not hesitate to assent to the passage of the Bayelsa State Child Rights Law.
“On behalf of the Governor of Bayelsa State, we express our gratitude to all the non-governmental organisations including Fida and DO Foundation that have risen to the rescue of this innocent child. Bayelsa State is children-friendly and this case will be pursued to a logical conclusion,” the statement rea
Recall that a few days ago, there was public outrage over a purported marriage between a four-year-old girl child and a fifty-four-year-old man.
Disturbing visuals of the ceremony trended on the internet, attracting the attention of child rights advocacy groups who called for immediate action to be taken against the enablers of child abuse.
Child marriage is against the Nigerian constitution and the Child Rights Act.