The Enugu State Government has annulled the marriage between a teenage girl, Amarachi, and an adult man in Enugu Ezike, Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, after videos and reports of the wedding went viral on social media.
The Commissioner for Gender, Women and Children Affairs, Ngozi Eni, revealed in a statement on Thursday that the state intervened after confirming that the marriage, already consummated, was illegal and violated the Child Rights Law.
According to the ministry, the families of both the girl and the groom were invited for questioning but failed to honour the summons.
As a result, the ministry facilitated the arrest of the groom, both sets of parents, and the matchmaker identified as Mrs. Patience, a native doctor also known as Ezenwanyi.
During her interaction with officials, Amarachi disclosed that she had been forced into the marriage and had never attended school.
In a private discussion, she reaffirmed that she never consented to the union.
The groom’s mother explained that her son was an only child, claiming that this compelled her to arrange a wife for him.
However, she had no defense when confronted about selecting a minor for marriage.
The ministry’s legal team educated the parties on the provisions of the Child Rights Law, including penalties for child marriage.
Officials also highlighted the dangers associated with early marriage, such as gender-based violence, psychological harm, vesicovaginal fistula (VVF), and cervical cancer.
All individuals involved have been handed over to security agencies for further investigation.
Meanwhile, Amarachi and a two-year-old baby, whose mother has not yet been identified, were placed under the care of the Head of the Child Department.
Commissioner Eni said the government will ensure Amarachi receives educational support and rehabilitation, stressing that the marriage stands nullified.
She expressed gratitude to local authorities, including the Chairman of Igbo-Eze North LGA, Hon. Michael Ogalla, and other stakeholders who responded promptly.
DAILY GAZETTE reports that the marriage ceremony was elaborate, and the incident has triggered widespread outrage both in the community and across social media, with many calling for stricter enforcement of laws protecting children.
