The Bayelsa State Government has expressed concern over reports of a purported marriage between a four-year-old girl and a 54-year-old man in Akeddei community, Sagbama Local Government Area of the state. The government has invited the parents of the child bride and the man involved in the marriage for further investigation.
In a joint statement by the Chairman of the Gender Response Initiative Team, Dr. Dise Ogbise-Goddy, and the Director of Child Development at the state Ministry of Women Affairs, Children, and Social Development, Mr. Paniebi Jacob, the government described the union as illegal and not based on tradition and customs. The statement emphasized that the reported marriage was repugnant to natural justice, equity, and good conscience, and reiterated the government’s stance against child marriage.
The Bayelsa State Government acknowledged receiving a formal complaint from a child rights advocacy group, DO Foundation, regarding the controversial marriage. The state Human Rights Commission also noted that the traditional ruler of Akeddei community had responded to the government’s invitation and promised to produce the child, her parents, the groom, the youth leader, and the chairman of the Community Development Committee.
The government vowed to take steps to rescue the child from the key actors involved in the alleged illegal ceremony. It emphasized its commitment to enforcing the Bayelsa State Child Rights Law, which prohibits practices that are repugnant to natural justice, equity, and good conscience. The government acknowledged the support of non-governmental organizations, including the International Federation of Women Lawyers and DO Foundation, in addressing the issue.
The reported marriage has raised concerns about child rights and protection in the state, prompting the government to intervene and ensure that incidents like this do not occur in the future. The case is expected to be pursued to a logical conclusion, with collaboration between the government and law enforcement agencies to address the situation and protect the rights of the child involved.
