By Zainab Faruk
The Bauchi State Action Committee on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), under the leadership of the Wife of the Governor, Hajiya Aisha Bala Mohammed, has handed over a group of adolescents allegedly involved in conducting an unauthorized marriage to the Bauchi State Police Command for further investigation.
The incident, which reportedly occurred within Bauchi metropolis, involved a teenage girl and boy said to have conducted marriage rites without the consent or approval of their parents and guardians. According to authorities, some of the youths’ friends allegedly assumed the roles of Imam, guardian and witnesses during the ceremony.
Speaking during the handing over of the suspects, Hajiya Aisha Bala Mohammed expressed deep concern over what she described as the growing moral decline among young people and the weakening of parental responsibilities in society.
She blamed the trend largely on poor upbringing, lack of proper religious guidance and inadequate attention to children by parents and guardians.
“Any child who truly understands the teachings of Islam, knows Allah and remembers the Day of Judgment will not engage in such acts. The problem is not only with the children, but with the society and parents who have neglected their responsibilities,” she said.
The First Lady stressed the importance of education, especially for girls, saying denying women access to education contributes to social problems and weak family values.
“If a woman is educated, she will educate her children and properly manage her home. Parents must know where their children go, who their friends are and what activities they engage in,” she added.
Hajiya Aisha also called on lawmakers, religious leaders and social institutions to support efforts toward strengthening marriage regulations and promoting responsible family life.
She warned youths against engaging in immoral acts, urging them to fear God, respect their parents and focus on education and skills acquisition for a better future.
Earlier, the Commander General of the Bauchi State Agency for Vigilante and Youth Empowerment, Alhaji Umar Shayi, said the agency received intelligence reports about the unlawful marriage arrangement involving youths from areas including Kofar Dumi, Yaran Karfi and Unguwar Mahaukata in Bauchi metropolis.
According to him, the suspects allegedly organized the marriage ceremony themselves, appointed individuals among them to act as Imam, parents of the bride and witnesses, and reportedly paid a bride price of three thousand naira before the girl was taken away for about ten days.
Alhaji Umar Shayi explained that following directives from Governor Bala Mohammed and collaboration with other security agencies, operatives of the agency tracked down the suspects through intelligence gathering across different parts of the metropolis.
“We arrested the boy who conducted the marriage and he provided information about the other persons involved. So far, eight suspects have been arrested, including the person who acted as guardian and another who claimed to be the bride’s father during the ceremony,” he stated.
He added that parents of the adolescents were invited during the investigation, but some allegedly distanced themselves from the matter, while others failed to appear before the committee.
The Commander General reiterated the agency’s commitment to ensuring that anyone involved in unlawful activities affecting young people is brought to justice.
The Bauchi State Action Committee on Gender-Based Violence said the matter was transferred to the police after extensive deliberations at the Office of the First Lady to allow for proper investigation and legal action.
The committee further urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children and reinforce moral values capable of preventing acts contrary to societal and legal standards.