The Borno State Police Command has opened an investigation into the death of a young woman in Gubio Local Government Area, who reportedly took her own life after being allegedly pressured by her father into a forced marriage.
Reports by Lake Chad Times on Monday indicated that the woman ended her life on Sunday evening after resisting repeated attempts by her family to compel her to marry one of her father’s friends.
According to the outlet, the deceased had consistently expressed her unwillingness to proceed with the arranged marriage before the tragic incident occurred around 6:20 p.m.
Confirming the development, a counterinsurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, shared details of the case on his X handle, quoting a local child protection volunteer, Bukar Fantami, who described the situation as “a painful reality faced by many young women in rural communities.”
Fantami said the emotional pressure stemming from the forced marriage allegedly pushed the woman to take her own life, calling the tragedy “a sad reminder of the urgent need to address harmful cultural practices.”
Reacting to the reports, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Nahum Daso, said in a statement on Monday that the Commissioner of Police, Naziru Abdulmajid, had ordered a discreet investigation to ascertain the authenticity and full circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The attention of the command has been drawn to a viral publication alleging that a young woman in Gubio took her own life after being forced by her father to marry one of his friends,” Daso said.
“The Commissioner of Police has ordered an immediate and discreet investigation to establish the facts of the matter.
We urge individuals with credible information to assist the police in this ongoing inquiry.”
The PPRO also cautioned the public against spreading unverified information that could cause panic or emotional distress, reminding citizens that misinformation is punishable under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
This case comes amid growing concerns over increasing suicide-related incidents across Nigeria.
Earlier in October, PUNCH Metro reported the case of a 30-year-old woman in Jigawa State who allegedly took her own life by hanging, as well as another case involving a 42-year-old native doctor found dead after being declared missing.
Mental health experts have continued to link the rise in such incidents to economic hardship, family pressure, and unresolved psychological trauma.