Katsina orphaned girl flees village over notorious bandit’s marriage threat [Video]

An 18‑year‑old orphan named Amina Sulaiman fled her village in Dan Marke, Dan Musa Local Government Area of Katsina State after her guardians reportedly accepted a marriage proposal from a notorious bandit leader who threatened to burn the entire community if his demand was refused.

The story was first published by the Civilian Joint Task Force office in Funtua, Katsina State, after a video interview in Hausa in which Amina recounted the events. She said she had repeatedly declined the proposal, insisting that she would rather die than marry the armed criminal.

Amina said, “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 alleged that her guardians were afraid to confront the bandit directly and, despite knowing the danger, sent her back to convey her rejection personally. “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 added.

When asked whether she wanted to return to her village, Amina said she preferred to remain alone rather than be forced into marriage with the bandit leader. “I would rather continue living here on my own. I will never marry a bandit who survives by engaging in criminal activities,” she declared.

The alleged threat to burn the village if the marriage demand was rejected underscores the intimidation and coercion faced by residents of vulnerable communities in parts of Katsina State. The incident raises serious concerns about the safety of girls and the use of violence by armed groups to impose their will on rural populations.

<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>