The Bayelsa Government has taken swift action following reports of a controversial marriage between a four-year-old girl and a 54-year-old man in the Akeddei community of Sagbama Local Government Area. In response, the government has summoned the involved parties, expressing grave concern over the purported marriage, which it deems contrary to natural justice, equity, and societal values.In an official statement jointly signed by Dr. Dise Ogbise-Goddy and Mr. Paniebi Jacob, representing the Gender Response Initiative Team (GRIT) Bayelsa and the Ministry of Women Affairs, Children, and Social Development, the government denounced the “illegal marriage” rooted in tradition and customs.Acknowledging a formal complaint filed by the DO Foundation, a child rights advocacy group, the Ministry of Women, Children Affairs, and Social Development, along with GRIT, affirmed their stance against child marriage. The government emphasized its support for the Bayelsa State Child Rights Law and vowed to intervene to rescue the child from the situation.Furthermore, the state authorities, including representatives from the Human Rights Commission, revealed that the traditional ruler of Akeddei community has pledged cooperation with the government’s investigation, promising to produce all key individuals involved in the event.Despite claims by the girl’s parents that the union stemmed from beliefs in a past life, stating that the man was her deceased husband, the government reiterated its commitment to preventing occurrences that contravene established laws and societal principles. Officials stressed that Bayelsa State maintains a child-friendly environment and will rigorously pursue this case to its rightful resolution.
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