Outrage as Teenage Girl’s Hand Is Severed in Kaduna After Family Rejects Forced Marriage Proposal
A wave of public outrage has followed a brutal attack in Southern Kaduna, where a teenage girl had her hand severed by suspected Fulani herdsmen after her family reportedly rejected a marriage proposal made to her.
The incident occurred in Goska community, Kaninkon Ward of Jama’a Local Government Area, when the 15-year-old girl was returning from her family’s farm with her mother and other relatives. According to accounts from the family, the assailants had earlier approached the girl’s mother on the farm, praising the teenager and demanding that she be given to them in marriage. The family reportedly refused the proposal.
Later that evening, as the family waited by the roadside for a motorcycle to take them home, the attackers allegedly followed them through the bush and ambushed them.
Witnesses said the men used torchlights to identify their targets before seizing the teenage girl and dragging her away from the group. During the attack, her hand was reportedly cut off, leaving her with life-threatening injuries.
The victim was first rushed to the General Hospital in Kafanchan, before being transferred to a private medical facility. Due to the severity of her injuries, she was later referred to the Jos University Teaching Hospital for specialised treatment.
Family members say she remains in critical condition and requires urgent medical and financial support.
Relatives of the girl described the incident as “inhuman and barbaric,” calling on the Kaduna State Government and security agencies to ensure justice is served.
They also appealed for assistance to help cover mounting medical bills, warning that the family may not be able to afford the cost of her treatment.
Security sources confirmed that five suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack. Community members reportedly identified the suspects, saying they are familiar faces who live close to the area where the incident occurred. Residents have urged authorities to ensure that those responsible are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted, expressing fears that suspects in similar cases are often released without consequences.
The attack has heightened tension and fear in Goska and surrounding communities, where residents say insecurity remains a major concern.
Southern Kaduna has long grappled with violent incidents linked to farmer-herder conflicts, banditry, and communal clashes, with locals repeatedly calling for stronger security presence and protection for rural communities.
Human rights advocates and community leaders have condemned the incident, describing it as a grave violation of human rights and a disturbing reminder of the vulnerability of women and children in conflict-prone areas.
As investigations continue, many Nigerians are demanding swift justice and renewed action from authorities to address insecurity and prevent further violence against civilians in Kaduna State.
