Katsina Girl Flees Village After Guardians Accept Marriage Proposal From Bandit

A girl identified as Amina Sulaiman has reportedly fled her community in Dan Marke, Dan Musa Local Government Area of Katsina State, after her guardians allegedly agreed to marry her off to a notorious bandit identified as Babaye.

Babaye, who reportedly operates mainly within the Dan Musa axis, allegedly threatened to burn down the entire village if his demand to marry Amina was rejected.

Amina, whose father is deceased, said she had been raised by her father’s relatives, who allegedly agreed to the marriage out of fear of possible reprisals from the bandit leader.

She disclosed that her guardians not only accepted the marriage proposal but also collected the dowry and other wedding gifts brought by Babaye.

Amina narrated her ordeal in a Hausa-language video interview published on Friday by the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) office in Funtua, Katsina State.

She said she had repeatedly rejected the proposal, making it clear that she would rather die than marry the armed criminal.

According to her, Babaye physically assaulted her during one of their encounters, leaving her with a shoulder injury.

“I told them I could not marry him and had previously told him that I did not love him. During one of those encounters, he struck me on the shoulder, and since then, I have been unable to lift heavy objects with that arm,” she said.

Amina explained that her guardians were afraid to confront the bandit leader or communicate her rejection directly because they feared his reaction.

She said they eventually asked her to deliver the message herself, despite knowing the danger she could face.

“They told me to go and tell him myself, even though they knew he could kill me. That was why I left and came here. I would rather die than marry him,” she said.

Asked whether she would consider returning to her village, Amina ruled out the possibility, saying she would rather remain alone than be forced into marriage with a bandit.

“I would rather continue living here on my own. I will never marry a bandit who survives by engaging in criminal activities,” she added.