A young woman in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State reportedly took her own life on Sunday evening after being forced by her father to marry one of his friends.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred around 6:20 p.m. The woman, said to have been in deep emotional distress, allegedly ended her life after persistent pressure from her family to proceed with the arranged marriage.
A local child protection volunteer, Bukar Fantami Gubio, confirmed the incident, describing it as heartbreaking and preventable.
He revealed that the deceased had earlier expressed her unwillingness to marry the man chosen by her father, insisting that she was in love with another person of her choice.
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“The emotional pain and pressure she endured because of the forced marriage pushed her into taking her own life. It’s a tragic situation that calls for urgent attention,” Gubio said.
He urged human rights organizations, law enforcement agencies, and relevant authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure justice, while taking steps to prevent similar cases in the future.
Gubio also appealed to parents and community leaders to respect the rights and choices of young women regarding marriage, emphasizing that forced unions are a serious violation of human rights.
“This incident is a painful reminder of the need to protect the freedom, dignity, and well-being of young women from all forms of coercion and abuse,” he added.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the police nor the Borno State government had issued an official statement on the matter.
