A child rights advocacy group in Bayelsa, known as the DO Foundation, strongly denounced the traditional marriage that took place on December 26th between a four-year-old girl and a 54-year-old man in the Akeddei community of Sagbama Local Government Area. The foundation, in a statement released in Yenagoa and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria, described this union as illegal, criminal, and a violation of both the constitution and the Child Rights Act.

Mr Elvis Mannie, the chairperson of the foundation, signed the statement, expressing the organization’s condemnation of child marriage as an abhorrent and despicable practice. Moreover, the foundation emphasized that this act undermines the significant progress made by the government and people of Bayelsa in protecting the rights of children.

Child’s Right Law in Bayelsa

The DO Foundation highlighted the fact that the Child’s Right Law was domesticated in Bayelsa State in 2016 and is still in effect. This law specifically criminalizes child marriages and child betrothals, establishing severe penalties including imprisonment and substantial fines.

Urgent Call for Action

In response to this distressing incident, the foundation urgently called upon the state government, the Gender Response Initiative Team, and all stakeholders in the gender response system to take immediate action. The group emphasized the need for security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation to protect the child from further sexual exploitation.

Arrest and Prosecution of Culprits

The DO Foundation demanded the arrest and prosecution of all individuals involved in this despicable act. The organization is currently conducting its own investigation to rescue the child from this abhorrent situation.

Background of the Marriage

According to sources, the marriage between the four-year-old ‘bride’ and the 54-year-old man, known only as Elder Akpos, was arranged by the girl’s parents. Shockingly, the young girl expressed her intention to die peacefully and leave the Akeddei community if she was not allowed to marry her chosen spouse. To prevent such a tragic outcome, the community organized a lavish wedding ceremony to commemorate the union.

The DO Foundation, in collaboration with concerned citizens, aims to ensure justice for the child and prevent any further exploitation.

(Source: News Agency of Nigeria)