The Borno State Police Command has launched an inquiry into a widely shared social media report concerning a young woman in Gubio local government area who reportedly ended her life following a forced marriage.
According to the circulating accounts, the woman allegedly took her own life after her father compelled her to wed one of his acquaintances.
Addressing the press in Maiduguri on Monday, Police Public Relations Officer ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso stated that the Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, has mandated a confidential probe to verify the accuracy and details of the viral claim.
ASP Daso emphasized the Command’s dedication to uncovering the factual circumstances surrounding the case and urged anyone possessing reliable and verifiable information to assist the police with their investigation.
He remarked, “The Command has been alerted to a viral post circulating on multiple social media channels, alleging that a young woman in Gubio local government area took her life after being forced into marriage by her father with one of his friends.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, psc, has directed a discreet inquiry to ascertain the truth and context of this report.
“We are committed to establishing the facts and call on individuals with credible evidence to come forward and support the ongoing investigation.”
Furthermore, ASP Daso cautioned the public to refrain from disseminating unconfirmed information, especially on sensitive issues that could incite fear, emotional turmoil, or distort the truth.
He reiterated the Command’s commitment to safeguarding the rights, safety, and dignity of all citizens, while warning that the dissemination of false or misleading content is punishable under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
“The Borno State Police Command remains steadfast in its mission to uphold law and order, ensure accountability, and guarantee that justice and truth prevail,” the statement concluded.
In response, Bukar Fantami Gubio, a local child protection advocate, has called on human rights organizations, law enforcement, and relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure justice is served.
Gubio stressed the importance of defending the rights, autonomy, and dignity of young women against all forms of abuse and coercion, underscoring that forced marriage constitutes a grave violation of human rights.
The incident has ignited significant public outrage across the State, with community leaders and activists demanding immediate measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
