DENUNCIATION OF THE BARBARIC ATTACK ON 15-YEAR-OLD ENDURANCE SABON

THE EVIL OF FORCED MARRIAGE, AND ALL FORMS OF ABUSE AGAINST CHILDREN

“When a child’s innocence is violated, humanity itself is under attack.”

DENUNCIATION OF THE BARBARIC ATTACK ON 15-YEAR-OLD ENDURANCE SABON

The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria expresses its profound outrage and unequivocal condemnation of the barbaric attack on 15-year-old Endurance Sabon in Goska Community, Jama’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

For Endurance, it was reported that simply because her family refused to consent and subject her to a forced marriage, she was brutally mutilated and her hand amputated.

This act constitutes a grotesque assault on childhood, dignity, and integrity. It is criminal, inhuman, and morally indefensible. To punish a child with mutilation for resisting forced marriage is the epitome of cruelty—a betrayal of every principle of justice, law, and human decency.

FORCED MARRIAGE IS VIOLENCE

FIDA Nigeria unequivocally states that forced marriage is a grave form of violence against children. It strips girls of education, health, autonomy, and the right to choose their own future. When a child’s resistance is met with terror and mutilation, it exposes a dangerous and dehumanizing belief that girls are property rather than human beings—a belief that must be totally rejected by society and swiftly punished by law.

A BREACH OF LAW AND CONSCIENCE

The attack on Endurance Sabon is a flagrant violation of Nigerian law and the conscience of humanity. It contravenes the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Child Rights Act, the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

No custom, religion, or tradition grants any individual or group the right to maim a child. Practices that rely on violence to sustain them are not only unlawful—they are morally bankrupt.

DENUNCIATION OF INSECURITY AND IMPUNITY

This atrocity underscores the persistent insecurity in parts of Southern Kaduna. When armed actors can threaten families, abduct children, and mutilate them with impunity, it reflects a dangerous breakdown of protection systems and emboldens further crimes against the most vulnerable.

CALL TO CONSCIENCE AND RESPONSIBILITY

FIDA Nigeria calls on the Federal Government and Kaduna State Government, as well as all relevant security agencies, to urgently strengthen protection measures in Goska Community and other vulnerable areas. The State bears a non-negotiable duty to safeguard children and to ensure that all perpetrators and accomplices are promptly investigated, prosecuted, and punished.

We further call on traditional rulers, religious leaders, parents, and community gatekeepers to speak out decisively against forced marriage and all forms of violence against children. Silence in the face of such cruelty amounts to complicity.

CALL FOR SOLIDARITY AND SUPPORT

Beyond justice, healing and restoration are imperative. FIDA Nigeria calls on Civil Society Organizations, philanthropic institutions, development partners, and compassionate individuals to rally around Endurance Sabon and her family, as well as other courageous children and families facing similar ordeals. Survivors of violence must be supported to heal, rebuild, and grow into the best versions of themselves—regardless of the trauma they have endured. No child’s future should be defined or limited by violence inflicted upon them.

ADDRESSING ABUSE WITHIN CARE INSTITUTIONS

In a separate but equally disturbing development, FIDA Nigeria strongly condemns the wicked and heinous act allegedly perpetrated by the Matron of the Yola Children’s Home against children entrusted to her care and protection. This incident is particularly painful, given the trust placed in individuals and institutions mandated to protect vulnerable children. The protection of children is paramount, regardless of any situation.

We abhor the transformation of a Protector into an Abuser as this represents a profound betrayal of duty and trust.

We call for an immediate thorough investigation into this case such that practicable and effective child protective policies, processes and structures, are promptly put in place while the offenders are punished in accordance with all applicable laws.

Institutions and Officers must at all times be held strictly accountable, failing which this constitutes a grave miscarriage of justice and a fundamental breach of our collective responsibility to shield and protect children. This incident further underscores the dire need for continuous rigorous monitoring and supervision within child-care institutions. Where abuse occurs—especially by those acting as agents or representatives of care—the response must be swift, transparent, and uncompromising.

SOLIDARITY AND JUSTICE

FIDA Nigeria stands in unwavering solidarity with all children facing any form of violence. Justice is not optional—it is a legal and moral imperative. Our Children’s lives must not be defined by cruelty, nor should their suffering ever be ignored, trivialized, or excused.

This denunciation reaffirms a simple truth: a society that cannot protect its children has failed its most sacred duty. Nigeria must choose protection over impunity, law over violence, and humanity over cruelty.

FIDA Nigeria says : an injury to one child, is an injury to all.

With special thanks to the FIDA Nigeria, Child Safeguarding Committee, we continue to strive to ensure a beautiful peaceful society where children can grow to be their best.

Signed For FIDA Nigeria:

Eliana Martins
Country Vice President/National President FIDA Nigeria

Chineze Obianyo
National Publicity Secretary, FIDA Nigeria