In Niger state, Nigeria’s northern region, hundreds of families are vulnerable to attacks regularly unleashed by bandits. In its wake, unfortunately, parents are killed, leaving the children to become orphans, and perhaps easy tools. But a lawmaker and Imams’ intention for the orphans has sparked widespread outrage. In this report, John Nwokocha captures the emotions.
For the over 100 wedding brides and grooms, it is joy turned sour as the planned mass wedding was halted following outcry across the continent condemning the decision.
Rights Group Demands Marriage Stop
Aside from the Minister of Women’s Affairs, Kennedy-Ohanenye’s Court order seeking to stop the marriage, Human rights activists in Nigeria have launched a petition to stop the plan.
It was gathered as of Friday evening, it has 10,500 signatures.
The about 100 orphans are set to be married off on May 24, in Niger state, North Central, Nigeria.
However, some of the orphans are reported to be underage girls, thus, sparking widespread outrage across Nigeria.
Bandits Turned Children to Orphans
They became orphans having lost parents to attacks by armed bandits, who regularly target civilians across the state.
According to reports, the mass wedding was supported by the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji.
The Speaker claimed local religious leaders had approached him for help funding the wedding.
Imams Forum
The Imams Forum of Niger has backed the mass wedding, saying the marriage ceremony should go ahead.
The body of Muslim clerics in the state is reportedly insisting that the girls are not below the 18 – the legal age of marriage.
However, critics have expressed concern that some girls may be younger than 18, or being forced to comply for financial gain.
The Nigerian Minister of Women’s Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye said she has filed a court order to stop the ceremony.
Girls “Deserve Better”
According to the Minister, the girls “deserve better”. She also said that her ministry was looking into who the 100 girls are, their ages and whether they consented to the marriage.
Furthermore, she said her ministry will offer education and training opportunities.
The minister was quoted as saying that if the Niger State speaker attempts to block these efforts “there will be a serious legal battle between him and the Ministry of Women’s Affairs”.
However, on Friday, senior presidential aide Abiodun Essiet echoed Ms Kennedy-Ohanenye’s plan of action.
Essiet added: “My appeal to all stakeholders is to stop embarking on policies and programs that exploit economically handicapped vulnerable people, increase and recycle poverty, and deepen ignorance.”
In Nigeria, 30% of Girls and 1.6% of Boys are Married Before 18
According to international campaign group Girls Not Brides, 30% of girls and 1.6% of boys in Nigeria are married before the age of 18. Some 12% of girls are married before their 15th birthday.
Child marriages are most common in the northern part of the country, among poor, rural households.
It is seen as a way to reduce their families’ financial burdens or to improve political and social alliances.
Northern Nigeria is mostly Muslim and religious and cultural norms, such as polygamy, favour the practice.
The question is, will the marriage hold as planned. The Speaker has yet to make his final stance public as of press time.
However, observers are wtching the unfolding drama.
