Nigeria: Cross River Silent As Ebonyi Moves to Tackle Child Marriage After Premium Times Investigation

What the report says

Premium Times reports that Ebonyi State has begun an intensified campaign against child marriage after its March investigation highlighted the practice as widespread in parts of the state, especially Izzi and Ebonyi local government areas. A Ministry of Women Affairs official said the campaign was expanded across communities and women’s meetings, with a grand finale planned in Abakaliki on 2 September. The ministry also said it was weighing enforcement options under the Child Rights Act, although it noted practical difficulties in prosecuting some husbands of child brides because some victims oppose arrests or the original offenders may no longer be alive.

The report says the response in Ebonyi contrasts with the situation in neighboring Cross River State, where officials have not publicly addressed findings about a separate customary practice called “money marriage” in Becheve community, Obanliku Local Government Area. Premium Times said its investigation found that underage girls and even unborn girls can be pledged in marriage in settlement of family debts, often in exchange for money, goats or other items.

The article places the developments in the context of a broader investigation into harmful marriage practices in southeastern and south-south Nigeria. It suggests the Ebonyi campaign may reflect growing pressure on state authorities to act after the reporting, while Cross River’s lack of response leaves questions about whether any government steps are being taken there. The report is based on Premium Times’ account, republished by AllAfrica.