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By Jude Chinedu, Enugu
Authorities in Enugu State have arrested a 30-year-old man in the Amufie community, Enugu Ezike, Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, after he allegedly married a 13-year-old girl in a traditional ceremony earlier this week.
Acting swiftly on a tip-off, operatives from the Enugu State Police Command, joined by officials from the Ministry of Gender Affairs and Social Development, stormed the venue and immediately halted the proceedings.
The minor was rescued and placed under government protection, while the groom and others involved in organising the marriage were promptly taken into custody.
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Government officials confirmed that everyone who facilitated or gave consent to the arrangement, including family members, will be prosecuted.
Sources indicate that charges will be brought under the Child Rights Act 2003 and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015, both of which prohibit child and forced marriage in Nigeria.
The rescued girl is under protective custody and is receiving both medical care and psychological support.
Efforts to reach the Enugu State Police Command for comment were unsuccessful, as the Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, did not respond to calls at press time.
