The Bayelsa State Government has taken swift action in response to reports of a marriage involving 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 and the man allegedly involved in the marriage for investigation.
In a joint statement signed by Dr. Dise Ogbise-Goddy, the Chairman of the Gender Response Initiative Team, and Mr. Paniebi Jacob, the Director of Child Development at the state Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Social Development, the government strongly condemned the reported union. It deemed the marriage illegal, not based on tradition and customs, and contrary to natural justice, equity, and good conscience.
The government emphasized its commitment to opposing child marriage in all forms and cited the Bayelsa State Child Rights Law as the legal framework guiding such issues. It acknowledged a formal complaint from the DO Foundation, a child rights advocacy group, and expressed gratitude to other non-governmental organizations, including the International Federation of Women Lawyers, for their intervention.
The state Human Rights Commission reported that the traditional ruler of the Akeddei community responded to the government’s invitation and pledged to produce the child, her parents, the groom, the youth leader, and the chairman of the Community Development Committee.
The Bayelsa State Government vowed to collaborate with the state Police Command to ensure that such incidents do not occur again. It reassured its commitment to protecting the rights of children and declared the state as children-friendly. The case is set to be pursued to a logical conclusion, with the government working to rescue the child from the illegal ceremony.
The alleged marriage has sparked public outrage and raised concerns about child rights and protection in the state. The government’s prompt response indicates a commitment to addressing such issues and safeguarding the well-being of children.