A quiet wedding ceremony in Bauchi reportedly turned into a security operation after authorities uncovered what officials described as an illegal underage marriage involving teenagers.
The incident has sparked outrage across the state after reports revealed that the bride price for the young couple was allegedly fixed at just N3,000.
Moreover, several persons connected to the ceremony were arrested during the operation carried out within the Bauchi metropolis.
Operatives of the Bauchi State Vigilante and Youth Empowerment Agency worked alongside officers of the Nigeria Police Force to disrupt the wedding before it could proceed further.
Among those reportedly arrested were the teenage bride and groom, wedding guests, the officiating imam, and a young girl accused of pretending to be the bride’s mother during the ceremony.
The suspects were later paraded before the Bauchi State Action Committee on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, headed by the wife of the governor, Aisha Bala Mohammed.
The development has once again drawn attention to the growing concerns surrounding child protection, forced marriage, and harmful traditional practices in parts of Nigeria.
Reacting to the incident, the First Lady blamed the situation on declining moral values and poor parental guidance within society.
She urged parents and guardians to take responsibility for raising children according to proper religious and moral teachings.
According to officials, the state government remains committed to protecting children from abuse, exploitation, and harmful practices capable of affecting their future.
Meanwhile, Bauchi State Hisbah Commander, Mohammed Bununu, described the alleged marriage as illegal and unacceptable under the law.
He warned residents against engaging in similar acts, stressing that authorities would continue to monitor activities linked to child abuse and unlawful marriage practices.
The Police Command in the state also assured residents that investigations had already commenced into the matter.
