The Enugu State Government has formally annulled the forced marriage of a 15-year-old girl, Precious Oyiga, to a 33-year-old man, Sopuluchukwu Odoh, in Enugu Ezike, Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, after disturbing images of the ceremony went viral on social media.
Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, said the state acted immediately to stop what she called an “illegal, harmful, and unacceptable union.” She confirmed that the marriage had already been consummated before the government intervened.
According to Mrs. Enih, the Ministry initially invited all parties for questioning to determine why a minor was married off despite the grave dangers associated with early marriage, including lifelong psychological trauma, vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF), cervical cancer, and economic disempowerment.
However, when none of the parties honoured the Ministry’s invitation, the government moved in with security agencies, leading to the arrest of the girl’s parents, the groom, the groom’s parents, and the matchmaker, identified as Mrs. Patience Ndidiamaka, a native doctor popularly known as Ezenwanyi.
In a protected interview with the Ministry, Precious disclosed that she was forced into the marriage and had never attended school. She stated clearly that she did not consent to becoming a wife.
The groom’s mother, Mrs. Ngozi Odoh, admitted that her son is an only child and claimed that motivated her desire to “secure a wife” for him. She was, however, unable to justify choosing an underage girl when confronted with the legal implications.
The matchmaker, Mrs. Ndidiamaka, told officials she did not know child marriage was a crime, prompting the Ministry’s legal officers to educate her and others on the Enugu State Child Rights Law, which criminalises early marriage and prescribes stiff penalties for violators.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Nkechi Ewoh, further sensitised all parties on child protection laws, gender-based violence, and the severe health dangers associated with forcing minors into marriage.
All arrested individuals have been handed over to security agencies for full investigation and prosecution. Precious, along with a two-year-old baby whose mother has yet to be identified, is now under the protective custody of the Ministry’s Child Development Department.
Mrs. Enih confirmed that the government will take full responsibility for Precious’ rehabilitation and education. She reassured residents that Enugu State remains unwavering in its commitment to ending child abuse and all forms of harmful traditional practices.
The Commissioner also commended the Chairman of Igbo-Eze North LGA, Hon. Ogbonna Ogallah, the constituency’s House of Assembly member, Hon. Clifford Nnaemeka Obe, and the Chairman of the Enugu State Civil Service Commission, Mr. Robinson Odo, for their swift collaboration in ensuring justice and child protection.
