A heart-wrenching tragedy has plunged Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State into mourning after a young woman reportedly took her own life on Sunday evening, following relentless pressure from her father to marry one of his friends.
The incident, which occurred around 6:20 p.m., has stirred deep outrage and renewed calls for the protection of women’s rights across the state.
According to local sources, the young woman had been visibly distressed in the days leading up to her death, as family members insisted she proceed with an arranged marriage despite her repeated objections. She was said to have been in love with another man of her choice.
A child protection volunteer in the area, Bukar Fantami Gubio, confirmed the tragic development, describing it as “deeply unfortunate and heartbreaking.”
“The emotional pain and pressure she went through as a result of this forced marriage pushed her into taking her own life,” Gubio said. “It’s a sad reality that should awaken everyone’s conscience. We must do more to protect young women from this form of abuse.”
He called on human rights organizations, law enforcement agencies, and the Borno State Government to thoroughly investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice.
Gubio also urged parents, religious leaders, and traditional authorities to respect the rights and freedom of young women when it comes to marriage decisions.
“This tragedy is a painful reminder of the urgent need to safeguard the dignity, autonomy, and mental well-being of young women,” he added. “Forced marriages are not just cultural issues — they are clear violations of human rights.”
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Borno State Government nor the police had issued an official statement regarding the incident.
The death has since sent shockwaves through Gubio and beyond, sparking discussions on social media about the persistence of forced marriages and the growing need for stronger legal and community action to end the practice once and for all.
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