BORNO, Nigeria (FN) — A young woman in northeastern Nigeria reportedly took her own life after being forced by her father to marry one of his friends, sparking outrage and renewed calls for action against forced marriages.
The incident occurred Sunday evening in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State, according to counter-insurgency analyst Zagazola Makama, who shared details of the case on Monday. The woman’s identity has not been officially released.
Makama said the suicide took place shortly after the wedding arrangement was finalized. Sources told him the woman had expressed emotional distress over the marriage, which she had repeatedly opposed.
Local child protection volunteer Bukar Fantami Gubio confirmed the incident and described it as “deeply unfortunate and heartbreaking.” He said the woman had been in love with someone else and had pleaded with her family to cancel the arrangement.
“The emotional pain and pressure she endured led to this tragic outcome,” Gubio said. “It’s a devastating reminder of the consequences of coercion.”
He urged human rights organizations and law enforcement agencies to investigate the case and ensure accountability. He also called for stronger protections for young women facing similar pressures.
Gubio appealed to parents and community leaders to respect the autonomy of women in marital decisions, describing forced marriage as a violation of fundamental rights.
“This tragedy underscores the urgent need to defend the dignity and freedom of young women,” he said.
Attempts by SaharaReporters to obtain confirmation from the Borno State Police Command were unsuccessful. Spokesperson Nahum Kenneth Daso did not respond to repeated calls or messages.
Forced marriage remains a persistent issue in parts of Nigeria, where cultural and economic pressures often override personal choice, leaving many women vulnerable to abuse and psychological trauma.
