By Sarah NEGEDU
It was all joy for two minors, last week, when they were rescued from planned marriages arranged by their families in neighbouring Karu, Nasarawa state.
One of the to-be-brides, 14 years old Naima Dauda, was to be given out in marriage to a 45-year old scavenger (Baban Bola) before she was rescued by the Association of Wives of Traditional Rulers in FCT.
The coordinator, Association of Wives of Traditional Rulers in FCT, Hannatu Nda-Kupi’, who led journalists to the victims’ houses in Karu, said the rescue was done in collaboration with Helpline Foundation for the Needy Abuja.
Naima’s father, Dauda Adama, cited poverty as the major reason for arranging an early marriage between his daughter and the scavenger who has so far paid N30,000 and N150,000 for dowry and settlement of relatives.
The NGOs also intervened in another case of early marriage of Naima’s niece, Sadika who was also lined up for marriage just after Naima.
15-year old Sadika Danjuma, who is in primary three, same school with Naima, also spoke against her early marriage.
Nda Kupi’, who is wife of the Chief of Garki, Dr. Usman Nda-Kupi’ disclosed that her organization got to know about the planned early marriage following a tip off from a teacher within the community who contacted president of the Helpline Foundation, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu.
While stating that her association, in conjunction with Helpline Foundation for the Needy Abuja, was involved in the rescue of many girls in similar cases, Nda-Kupi said the group is passionate about education of the girl-child in FCT and would do anything legally possible to rescue and educate them.
The minor, Naima Adama while expressed gratitude to the two Abuja-based non-governmental organizations for coming to her rescue, stressed that the marriage was against her wish, even as she stated her preference to complete her primary education and proceed to higher levels.
