A tragic incident has left residents of Gubio in deep shock after a young woman reportedly took her own life following pressure from her father to marry one of his friends.
The heartbreaking incident, which occurred on Sunday evening, has drawn outrage and renewed calls for an end to forced marriages, particularly in Northern Nigeria where cultural traditions often override personal choice.
Community members revealed that the woman had been struggling emotionally for weeks after her family insisted she proceed with the arranged marriage, despite her repeated objections.
According to local accounts, she was deeply in love with another man and had pleaded to be allowed to marry him instead.
Confirming the development, Bukar Fantami Gubio, a child protection volunteer in the area, described the incident as “a completely avoidable tragedy that reflects the dangers of coercive marriage practices.”
“The young woman made it clear that she didn’t want the marriage,” Gubio said.
“She was under immense emotional stress, and the constant pressure from her father and relatives pushed her to the edge. This could have been prevented if her voice was respected.”
He further called on law enforcement agencies and human rights organizations to investigate the matter and ensure that justice is served.
“We can’t continue to lose our daughters to harmful traditions that violate their rights and dignity,” he added.
Gubio also appealed to parents and traditional leaders to allow young women to make their own choices regarding marriage, noting that love and consent should be the foundation of every union.
“This case should serve as a wake-up call,” he said. “Respecting women’s choices isn’t just a moral duty, it’s a human right.”
As of press time, the Borno State Police Command and the state government were yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.