Ebonyi Takes Action Against Child Marriage After Investigation, Cross River Remains Quiet

The Ebonyi State Government has launched a strong campaign against child marriage in the state. This follows a recent investigation by PREMIUM TIMES that highlighted the high rates of child marriage in Ebonyi, especially in Izzi and Ebonyi Local Government Areas.

In March, PREMIUM TIMES released a two-part report exposing the widespread issue of child marriage in the South-eastern region. The report also revealed a disturbing custom called money marriage in Becheve, a community in Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River State.

In this illegal practice, underage girls and even unborn children are sold into marriage for money, goats, food, or other items to settle their parents' debts. The investigation showed that in Becheve, taking women as money wives is seen as a source of pride and social status for men.

Ebonyi Government's Response

When confronted with the investigation's findings, Felicia Nwamkpuma, Ebonyi's Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, directed our reporter to the Department of Child Development for an official response. Emmanuel Nkwuba, the head of the department, admitted that child marriage is a serious problem in the state. He promised to work with the commissioner to address the issue raised by PREMIUM TIMES.

On Friday, Mr Nkwuba, who is from Izzi LGA where child marriage is common, revealed that Mrs Nwamkpuma ordered a strong campaign against child marriage across the state after hearing about the investigation. "There’s a positive response," Mr Nkwuba said, referring to the impact of the report. "Upon your investigation, I told my commissioner about the findings. And the commissioner ordered an intensified campaign against the incidence."

He added that in August, the commissioner instructed that the campaign be presented at women’s meetings. These gatherings are where women can report any cases of underage girls being forced into marriage. Mr Nkwuba also said that the ministry is warning women to stop supporting child marriage, as it is illegal.

The ministry has been active in organizing campaigns in communities across Ebonyi since the investigation was published. "We are organizing the grand finale of the programme on Wednesday, 2 September, because we have now visited all local government areas in Ebonyi State. It will be held at Abakaliki Township Stadium. People from all walks of life are invited to speak to Ebonyi women on the issue," he shared.

Challenges in Prosecution

Mr Nkwuba mentioned that the investigation has led the ministry to think about prosecuting husbands of child brides. But the ministry reconsidered this after hearing protests from some child brides against their husbands being arrested. "The Child Rights Act says that we should prosecute the husbands. But each time the matter goes to court, the victims we are trying to protect question their husbands' arrest, citing that they already have children together," he explained.

He continued, "During our investigations, we found that some people who forced the victims into marriage are no longer alive. So, getting hold of their so-called husbands could not work. What they want is support, empowerment."

Cross River's Silence

Meanwhile, the Cross River State Government has not said anything about the money marriage issue in Becheve Community. Edema Irom, the state’s Commissioner for Women Affairs, asked our reporter on Friday to send her an inquiry, which was quickly sent to her WhatsApp number.

In the inquiry, PREMIUM TIMES asked if her ministry knew that money marriage is still happening in Becheve, despite claims that it has been banned. The inquiry also asked if there were any efforts by the government to tackle this cultural practice.

Mrs Irom did not reply to the inquiry, even though she read the WhatsApp message shortly after it was sent. Similarly, the Commissioner for Information in Cross River, Ekpenyong Cobham, did not answer multiple calls for comments. At the time of this report, Mr Cobham, who is also a pastor, had not responded to a text message asking for his comments on the issue.