The Take It Back movement has decried the mass wedding ceremony held in Zamfara State, Nigeria, for 105 orphans, calling it an inappropriate and short-sighted approach to addressing the needs of young people affected by violence and insecurity.
Omolola Pedro, the head of the Gender department of the “Take It Back” movement, expressed her strong disapproval of the mass wedding ceremony in Zamfara, stating that it falls short of addressing the underlying issues that led to the plight of these young people. Pedro emphasized the need for sustainable solutions such as education, vocational training, and support systems that empower and equip them with the tools to rebuild their lives.
“The mass wedding ceremony in Zamfara, Nigeria, that saw 105 orphans wed off is not only disheartening but indicative of a deeper problem with how society treats its most vulnerable.”, she said.

Pedro further stated, “It is deeply concerning that proponents of this event have attempted to justify the mass wedding of these orphans based on cultural and religious grounds. But we must not allow tradition to serve as a mask for violations of human rights and systemic injustices. When culture reinforces discrimination and disregards the basic rights of individuals, it is imperative that we reevaluate it and make the necessary changes to ensure that it reflects our values of fairness and respect for all people, regardless of their background.”
“This mass wedding event is a misguided solution to a complex problem. Instead of celebrating this as a cultural or religious victory, we must prioritize long-term initiatives that give these orphans access to education, social support, and resources that promote their holistic development,” Pedro stressed further.
“We call upon the Zamfara State government to assume responsibility for these young people’s well-being. The state’s failure to protect their parents from insecurity is a double burden that they must not shirk.”, she added.
Earlier reports had revealed that Abdulmalik Zubairu, a member of the National Assembly representing the Maru/Bungudu Federal Constituency in Zamfara State, sponsored the mass wedding of 105 orphans who lost their parents to the violence of armed bandits in the state.
The mass wedding, held in Bungudu town, the headquarters of Bungudu Local Government Area in Zamfara State, was attended by numerous prominent figures from within and outside the state.
The brides and grooms were splendidly attired for the occasion, their clothing a stark contrast to the somber circumstances that led them to the mass wedding. Furthermore, they were furnished with mats and mattresses as part of their wedding gifts, a token gesture in the face of the more pressing concerns that Pedro highlighted.
Leave a Reply