A chilling incident has rocked Jigawa State, as a 29-year-old groom, Khamis Haruna, revealed how his 14-year-old bride allegedly poisoned him just two days after their wedding. The incident, which occurred on December 22, 2024, has raised serious questions about child marriage, trust, and the darker side of relationships in the region.
Haruna, who survived the poisoning attempt, recounted the terrifying ordeal, describing how what should have been a celebratory period turned into a nightmare. “I couldn’t believe it when I found out she had poisoned me,” Haruna said, still shaken by the events. “I thought we were happy, that our love was real. I never saw this coming.”
The newlywed couple had been in a relationship for two years before they tied the knot. Haruna explained that their union was based on love, and he had no reason to suspect that his young bride harbored any ill intentions. “She seemed like a sweet, innocent girl. I had no idea she was capable of something like this,” he added.
The fateful night began with a seemingly innocent meal. Haruna and two of his friends were at his tailoring shop when the bride’s friends brought them a dish of jollof spaghetti. Haruna recalled taking just a few bites before noticing something strange. “It didn’t taste right,” he said. “My friend, Alfah, began complaining of stomach pains, and soon after, we all started feeling unwell.”
The three men were rushed to Jahun Hospital, where tragedy struck. “By the time we got there, Alfah was in agony. He passed away before we could do anything,” Haruna said, his voice breaking. “I don’t know how we survived, but I’m thankful to be alive.” His second friend, Isyaku Adamu, also survived the poisoning but was left shaken by the events.
The case has now become a horrifying example of what is considered “love” in some parts of Nigeria, where child marriage remains an ongoing issue despite efforts to curb it. Haruna’s bride, who is now at the center of the investigation, allegedly had help from an ex-lover who provided her with the poison. The ex-lover reportedly instructed the girl to add the deadly substance to the meal.
“I had no idea that there was anyone else involved,” Haruna said, expressing his disbelief. “She told me she was happy to marry me, and we were building a life together. But now I find out she was influenced by someone else.” He further explained that the poison used in the food was likely meant to kill all three men.
The emotional toll on Haruna has been profound, but the case has also sparked renewed discussions about child marriage in Nigeria, especially in the northern regions. While the Child Rights Act of 2003 prohibits child marriage under the age of 18, the legal framework is not uniformly enforced across the country. In Jigawa State, lawmakers have even modified the law to remove the age restriction, arguing that determining maturity is subjective.
Child marriage remains a deeply ingrained cultural norm in parts of northern Nigeria, and the legal variations between states create a patchwork of protections for children, often leaving young girls vulnerable to harmful practices. This case is just one of many that illustrate the dangers of such arrangements, especially when young girls are coerced or manipulated into such unions.
The impact of the poisoning incident has left the local community reeling, with many residents expressing shock and disbelief. “No one could have predicted something like this,” said Alhaji Ibrahim, a community elder. “In our culture, marriage is supposed to be about love and mutual respect. This tragedy goes against everything we believe in.”
In a statement from the Jigawa State government, authorities promised a thorough investigation into the case. “We are deeply concerned about the safety of young girls and the prevalence of child marriage in our state,” the statement read. “This incident is a wake-up call for all of us to reevaluate our laws and practices surrounding marriage and the protection of children.”
Experts on child rights have long called for stricter enforcement of the Child Rights Act, particularly in states like Jigawa, where child marriage remains commonplace. According to Dr. Amina Bello, a child rights advocate, the legal loopholes that allow child marriage to persist must be closed. “Every child has the right to grow up free from harm and exploitation. It is crucial that we protect young girls from such dangerous practices, especially when their lives are at risk.”
Despite the challenges, the incident has prompted conversations about the need for greater awareness and education regarding the rights of young girls in Nigeria. The tragedy is a stark reminder that much work remains to be done to protect vulnerable children from being subjected to harmful traditions and exploitation.
As for Haruna, he is still coming to terms with the trauma of what transpired. “I loved her,” he said, his voice heavy with sadness. “But now I don’t know what to believe anymore. How could she do this to me?”
The case has placed a spotlight on the dangers of child marriage and the need for a nationwide effort to safeguard the rights of young girls. For Haruna, the scars of this betrayal will linger long after the physical wounds heal.
In the wake of this tragedy, there are calls for greater accountability and stronger enforcement of laws designed to protect children. However, as long as cultural and legislative discrepancies continue, incidents like this may continue to haunt Nigeria’s most vulnerable citizens.
Background on Child Marriage in Nigeria: Child marriage remains a pervasive issue in many parts of Nigeria, particularly in the northern regions. Despite the federal Child Rights Act of 2003, which prohibits marriage under the age of 18, several states have created exemptions or failed to fully implement the law. In Jigawa State, the removal of the legal age of marriage has raised concerns about the continued vulnerability of young girls to exploitation and abuse. The situation has led to increased activism from child rights organizations, who call for a more uniform application of protective laws across all states in Nigeria.
