Modern Slavery: Child Marriage Practices in Nigeria

The article reports on the practice of "money marriage" in Bechev, located in the Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. This custom involves selling underage girls into marriage in exchange for money or goods to settle family debts.

Florence Keji, sold at eight years old to a man in his late seventies, experienced sexual abuse and became a mother by age fifteen. Her parents took a loan for her mother's medical treatment, and as repayment, she was given as a "money wife." Other cases, such as that of Mr. Otina and Queen Onoal, illustrate similar stories where girls are forced into early marriages, often leading to abuse and loss of educational opportunities.

The article emphasizes the emotional toll and societal pressures surrounding these practices, which are deeply rooted in local customs.