The Anambra State Government has taken a decisive step in protecting the rights of children by arresting Uzochukwu Okoli, a father who forced his underage daughter into marriage. The arrest was made after the daughter reported her father’s actions to the state Ministry of Women and Social Welfare.
According to a statement issued by Chidimma Ikeanyionwu, the media aide to the state Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, the 16-year-old girl was forced to marry a 34-year-old man, Chinedu N., after her father brought her back from Edo State, where they were living and attending school.
The girl alleged that she was first forced to live with a 70-year-old man at the age of 14, but she ran back to her father’s house before he finally gave her out to Chinedu.
The girl described her life with Chinedu as a “living hell,” stating that he beat her and sometimes peed in her mouth after beating her. She finally ran away with her nine-month-old baby.
Okoli claimed that his daughter was 18 years old, and at some point, said she was 20 years old. However, the girl’s age was confirmed to be 16 years old.
The Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, has instructed that the case be charged to court to ensure that the children get justice. She also urged parents to be mindful of their children and direct them properly instead of pushing them into early marriage, which can destroy their lives.
Both Okoli and Chinedu were arrested and will be arraigned in court. The Anambra State Government’s swift action in this matter demonstrates its commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of children in the state.
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