Exploring Modern Slavery: The Reality of Child Marriages in Nigerian Communities (Part II)

The second part of our investigation reveals the deeper issues surrounding child marriage in Becheve, Cross River State, where generations of young girls have been used as 'collateral' in loans or debt repayments.

Becheve, located in the Obanliku Local Government Area, is noted not just for its proximity to the renowned Obudu Mountain Resort, but for a dark tradition that stands in stark contrast to its serene landscape. The community is marked by a calmness, with lush vegetation and scenic mountains, masking a cruel practice known as "money marriage" where underage girls are exchanged for money, livestock, or goods to settle parental debts.

The tradition, which reportedly predates modern intervention efforts, has led to numerous girls, even those not yet born, being pledged into marriage early, with generations experiencing this cycle. A PREMIUM TIMES reporter, upon visiting the area in June, noted a tranquil environment, only to uncover the harsh realities of "money wives" — girls forced into marriage under the guise of repaying debts.

Many within the community view the practice as a cultural norm, with some families entering agreements as early as before childbirth, stating repayments would include future daughters as brides. This adherence to tradition is so profound that customs dictate how families manage debts and marriages. As such, daughters often serve as bargaining chips in financial transactions.

Florence Keji, who was only eight years old when sold into marriage, recollects the shocking reality of her experience — unaware of her marriage until she was twelve. Having been entrusted to an elderly man to settle a loan her parents could not repay, she faced years of abuse and hardship, becoming a mother at just fifteen.

Similarly, Blessing Otina's marriage at nine, orchestrated by her uncle to secure a loan, mirrored a tragic reality many girls face. The bond prevented her from pursuing education, cutting short any aspirations for a brighter future. Her tragic yet fortunate circumstance stands out; while others endure worse fates, she experienced no abuse from her husband.

In retrospect, Queen Onoale’s story reflects a mix of hope and despair: her ambitions to become a banker dashed as she was forced to abandon her education upon reaching marital responsibilities.

The implications of such practices are dire, leading to increased out-of- school rates among girls. Reports indicate that nearly 1.12 million children aged 6 to 15 in Cross River are out of school, contributing to a worrying trend observed in the region.

Healthcare professionals warn that underage mothers like Onoale face significant health risks during childbirth, including severe complications and even death. Gynaecologist Anthony Ogbunwa highlights that girls' bodies are often not prepared for the rigors of childbirth at such tender ages, leading to a range of complications.

Despite increased awareness and efforts from organizations like Her Voice Foundation to combat these traditions, money marriages persist, albeit less openly than before. Traditional leaders claim the practice has ceased, yet stories from survivors suggest otherwise.

In an environment where marriage equates to status, families often pressure sons to marry young girls, further entrenching the cycle of poverty and female marginalization. While community sentiments may begin to shift due to advocacy, the cultural roots of child marriage remain difficult to uproot.

As highlighted, Emelda Akor’s case exemplifies the perilous intersection of healthcare and social customs, where financial transactions overshadow the wellbeing of young girls, leaving them with little choice.

This two-part series delves deeply into the ongoing issue of child marriage in Becheve, examining the realities of modern slavery hidden behind the community’s tranquil facade. With the harsh contrast between the calm environment and the traumatic experiences of young brides, it calls for urgent attention from societal leaders, the government, and global actors to end this practice once and for all.