Segun Atanda/
A viral video showing a girl no older than eight actively participating in a marriage ceremony with an adult man has sparked nationwide outrage in Nigeria.
In the footage, the child stands before the groom while adults and other children observe, drawing condemnation for what many are calling a blatant violation of the Child Rights Act, which prohibits marriage under 18.
Social media users have expressed shock and anger at the ceremony, describing it as a “horrifying abuse of a child” and demanding immediate intervention by authorities.
On X, hashtags such as #EndChildMarriage and #ProtectChildren have been trending as Nigerians call for justice and stronger enforcement of child protection laws.
Child marriage remains a serious concern in Nigeria, particularly in areas where traditional and cultural practices sometimes override legal frameworks.
According to UNICEF, a significant proportion of girls in Nigeria are married before the age of 18, with early marriage exposing them to health risks, abuse, and the denial of education and other rights.
Legal experts note that the Child Rights Act, which has been adopted by several Nigerian states, clearly forbids marriage involving anyone under 18.
Despite this, enforcement remains inconsistent, and cases like the one depicted in the video highlight the urgent need for stronger protection mechanisms for children.
Advocacy groups and concerned citizens have urged the federal and state governments to investigate the incident, hold the responsible adults accountable, and ensure the child is removed from harm.
They emphasise that viral videos such as this should serve as a wake-up call to tackle child marriage and safeguard the rights of children across Nigeria.
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