Nigeria: A Child, a Bride, a Killer?

16 April 2014

WASILA Umar, 14, has hit fame: she allegedly killed her husband, his three friends, and injured many others. What is she doing with a husband at 14? The wise men in her community in Gaya Local Government Area of Kano State said she was ripe for marriage. Their word is law. What is a 14-year-old's word worth when the elders have spoken?

Seventeen days into her forced marriage, Wasila took her decision. She poisoned the food she served her husband - she wanted her freedom. She did not reckon with the camaraderie her community shares during meal times. Her husband's friends who shared his meal also became victims of the poison she intended for her husband.

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