Sadly, it is pertinent to note that out of this number, victims are mostly young girls aged between 13 and 18.
Reports have revealed how these underage kidnapped victims are forcefully sexually harassed and put into early marriages by their abductors when not able to meet up with the ransoms requested.
And most recently the Kaduna school children abduction, as an ultimatum of March 27, 2024, was given to pay one hundred billion Naira ransom to aid their release.
This however, prompted the Launch of the campaign #STANDWITHGIRLS# by Plan International Nigeria, in commemoration of the 2024 International Women’s Day to ensure the safety of women, girls, and boys in the country.
At the Launch in Abuja, Thursday, 14th March 2024, the Country Director Usie Charles, said 30% under the age of 18 are forced into early marriage, adding that the campaign, further reinforces their commitment that “Girls Are Empowered To Take Action And Drive Change” until 20 million girls learn, lead, decide and thrive in Nigeria.
According to him, they aim to seek and rally individuals, and institutions, such as policymakers to build structures and amplify girls’ voices both in urban and rural communities for transformative change.
He further stresses the pivotal role women and girls play in the country’s economic development and reaffirms its organization’s commitment to promoting girl child education as a Fundamental Right in the country.
Plan International is the first and only organization to have a shadow country Director in its quest to break educational and socio-cultural barriers to tackle the challenges of 1 in 5 girls married out before reaching 18 years
