Reps to probe forceful marriage of teen in Katsina

– The House of Representatives adopts a motion to
probe the circumstances surrounding the alleged forced
marriage of a teenager in Katsina state
– The lawmakers warn that if nothing is done about the
issue, the trend might continue, which will be a threat
to peace and unity in the country

The abducted girl, Habiba (on the left) and her father,

Isiyaku Tanko (on the right). Photo credits: The Punch.

The House of Representatives has mandated two of its

committees to investigate the alleged abduction and

forceful marriage of  14-year old Habiba Isa by the

Katsina Emirate.

Community leader

The girl’s father, Isiyaku Tanko had disclosed to the

media that his daughter was kidnapped from school in

Kudun Kankara, Kastina state by one Jamilu Lawal.

He also said that she had been forcefully converted to

Islam and married off by the Emir without her parents’

consent to her abductor.

Reacting to reports in the media, the House

consequently called for the matter to be investigated.

According to Daily Trust, adopting a motion by Rep

Raphael Nnanna Igbokwe (PDP, Imo) the House said

section 21 of the Child’s Rights Act provides that “No

person shall remove or take a child out of the custody

or protection of his father or mother or guardian against

the will of the father, mother or guardian.”

The lawmakers added that the alleged marriage was

without the consent of her parents, who have been

reported to be under threat and harassment over their

request for the release of their daughter.

The House members warned that if nothing was done

about the issue, the trend might continue, which would

be a threat to peace and unity in the country.

The lawmakers charged the committees on Women

Affairs and Human Rights to probe the matter and report

in to the House in four weeks.

Meanwhile, the parents of Ese Oruru, the teenager who

was abducted and married off by Yunusa Dahiru have

cried out to the general public over demeaning

treatment from authorities of the Nigeria police,

Vanguard reports.

Speaking to journalists after a court session at the

Federal High Court in Yenogoa, Ese’s mother, Rose said

her daughter and the new born are not properly taken

care of at the police officers mess where they are kept.

Rose said she believes and daughter and grandchild

need proper care with regards to nutrition and

psychology.

She said her family has been confined to a room at the

officers’ mess where they sleep with dustbin in the

room.