The Gombe State Government has initiated legal action to rescue a 14-year-old girl forced into marriage in Taraba State, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the rights of women and girls.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Asma’u Iganus, disclosed that the girl had been coerced into becoming the fourth wife of a wealthy man by her grandfather.

She further revealed that lawyers have been assigned to ensure the protection of girls’ rights.

“This is a gross violation of her rights, and we will not tolerate it. Legal steps are underway to secure her freedom and hold those responsible accountable,” the commissioner said.

Asma’u noted that the state government’s efforts extend beyond legal intervention. Plans are being made to enroll the girl in the AGILE education programme to continue her studies, with the provision of financial aid, food, and daily essentials to ease her recovery process.

The Ministry of Justice lawyer, Barrister Marilyn Na’omi Abdu, emphasised the government’s resolve to see the case through.

“This is a priority for us, and we will fight to ensure her rights are upheld. No child should endure such a violation,” she stated.

The girl, a native of Gombe State, narrated her harrowing experience, explaining that her family had moved to Taraba, where her grandfather arranged her marriage without her consent.

“They came under the guise of conducting a blood test, only to later inform me that I had been married off to a man I didn’t know or love,” she recounted.

She described the abusive treatment she endured from her husband, including being forcibly restrained during the consummation of the marriage.

“I fled to Gombe because I couldn’t endure his constant mistreatment. I sought help from the Ministry of Women Affairs to reclaim my life,” she said, showing injuries on her hand.