EFFECT OF EARLY MARRIAGE IN THE NIGERIAN SOCIETY: THE BENUE EXPERIENCE

Abstract

The effect of early marriage is still one of the most disturbing and painful problems bedeviling the people of Benue state and generally the Nigerian society in the 21st century. It is still the case today in Benue state and many other regions of Nigeria, especially in poor areas, that some families force their daughters to get married at very early ages. The thrust of this paper is therefore to undertake an assessment of early child marriage in Benue society with a view to making recommendations that could stem the tide. The study adopted the qualitative research design by relying on secondary sources of data collection. The expository and evaluative methods were used for data analysis. The study found out that many factors are responsible for early marriage including poverty, ignorance, chauvinism, etc. The study also discovered that the effects of early marriage are severe on the individuals concerned, the family and the society at large. The study recommended, inter alia, that there should be adequate awareness, poverty alleviation, and implementation of relevant legislations towards curbing early marriage. The study concluded that the marriage of a person less than 18 years is illegal and should be discouraged on all fronts.