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 accepted a marriage proposal from a notorious bandit known as Babaye.
Babaye, who reportedly operates mainly in the Dan Musa area, allegedly threatened to burn down the village if his request to marry Amina was rejected.
Amina, whose father is deceased, said she was raised by his relatives, who agreed to the marriage out of fear of reprisals from the bandit leader.
She alleged that her guardians accepted the proposal and collected the dowry and other wedding gifts brought by Babaye.
Amina recounted her experience 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, telling those involved that she would rather die than marry the bandit.
According to Amina, Babaye assaulted her during one of their encounters, injuring her shoulder.
“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 said her guardians were afraid to confront Babaye or tell him directly that she had rejected the proposal because they feared his reaction.
She said they eventually asked her to deliver the message herself, despite knowing the danger she might 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 live alone than be forced to marry 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.
