A Child, A Bride, A Killer?

WASILA Umar, 14, has hit fame: she allegedly killed her husband, his three friends, and
injured many others. What is she doing with a husband at 14? The wise men in her
community in Gaya Local Government Area of Kano State said she was ripe for marriage.
Their word is law. What is a 14-year-old’s word worth when the elders have spoken?
Seventeen days into her forced marriage, Wasila took her decision. She poisoned the
food she served her husband – she wanted her freedom. She did not reckon with the
camaraderie her community shares during meal times. Her husband’s friends who shared
his meal also became victims of the poison she intended for her husband.
Her story is pathetic and reflects a revolt of children being forced into early marriages.
Their guardians think children have no opinion. Wasila wanted to be educated, nobody
listened to her.
“I have never enjoyed the opportunity of going to Islamic school or acquiring Western
education. My father forced me into this mess by stubbornly forcing me into a
relationship I was not prepared to live in,” she said of the marriage to her 35-year-old
husband, Sani.
Kano State Police Command Public Relations Officer, ASP Magaji Musa Majia, said,
“The case has been referred to appropriate authorities for the next line of action. I am
assuring you that Wasila would appear in court soon because we have limitation on the
number of days we can keep a suspect no matter the perceived weakness of the case or
the personality involved”. Millions of children like her have been denied opportunities to
improve their lives and make meaningful contributions to society.
Wasila should not be charged to court without those whose disobedience of our laws
resulted in this tragedy. Section 29. (4) (a) of the 1999 Constitution, states, “full age”
means the age of eighteen years and above; (b) any woman who is married shall be
deemed to be of full age.” Those who married off Wasila at 14 broke the law. Will the
law punish them? Will the law support their lawlessness?
The Child’s Rights Act of 2003 prohibits child marriages and betrothals. In Section 21,
any marriage contracted by anyone under 18 years is invalid. Under Section 22: “(1) No
parent, guardian or any other person shall betroth a child to any person. (2) A betrothal
in contravention of subsection (1) of this section is null and void”.
Both provisions are in the Criminal and Penal Codes, though they are hardly enforced.
Where the law would stand on Wasila is crucial to the hopes and aspirations of other
endangered children who her action has granted voices. They are waiting.
Click here if you missed the post

You have read this articleNews / Nigeria with the title A Child, A Bride, A Killer?. You can bookmark this page URL http://victoriarud.blogspot.com/2014/04/a-child-bride-killer.html. Thanks!

Write by: Dj Donk - Wednesday, April 16, 2014