#FreeEse: Outrage Over Forceful Marriage and Conversion of 14-year-old to Islam in Kano

 

The touching and pathetic story 14-year-old Ese Oruru, who was in August 2015, allegedly abducted in Opolo, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, by one Yunusa, a tricycle driver, who hails from Kano, and forcefully married and converted her to Islam has generated controversy and media buzz.

 

Nigerians have cried out and expressed sadness after Ese, who was 13 as at the time of her alleged abduction, was taken to Kano, by Yunusa, where he converted her to Islam and married her. Ese’s parents had since last August made trips to Kano, where they tried unsuccessfully to get their daughter. 

 

Nigerians have lambasted the Emir of Kano, Mallam Lamido Sanusi, at whose palace the girl is believed to be held, for refusing to grant the parents of the little girl access to her. Mrs. Rose Oruru the little girl's mother has called on the government and other agencies to intervene in the matter. 

 

The worst part is that her parents were told Ese had converted to Islam and, therefore, was no longer her daughter, her father was told that his daughter was an 18-year-old adult and not 14, hence she was capable of making decisions for herself. 

 

Nigerians have expressed worry why the Inspector General of Police could allow such ignoble act happen and also blasted agencies whose work is to protect minors from such.

 

The 14-year-old girl, Ese Oruru is an Urhobo-born teenager, whose mother, Mrs. Rose Oruru, is a food vendor in Opolo, Bayelsa State. Nigerians have launched #FreeEse hashtag to get the authorities involved in this matter.

 

This is how Nigerians reacted to the incident: