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Police operatives in Ondo State have rescued a 15-year-old girl who was about to be forced into marriage with a 52-year-old man identified as Asere Sunday in Idoani, Ose Local Government Area of the state.

The rescue followed a tip-off from a community leader who alerted security operatives about the planned marriage. Detectives immediately stormed the venue, secured the girl’s release, and moved her to the Reference Hospital in Akure for medical examination and proper care.

According to police sources, the intended groom, popularly known as “Santo,” his 22-year-old son, Asere Kehinde, and the girl’s father, Ayoola Sunday, who allegedly collected money in exchange for his daughter, were all apprehended.

During interrogation, the suspect, Asere Sunday, reportedly confessed to arranging the marriage and admitted to offering financial inducement to the victim’s father. Meanwhile, the father claimed that his decision was influenced by poverty.

Investigations also revealed that youths in the community had mobilized to resist the marriage and were on the verge of clashing with the victim’s family before the police intervened to restore order.

Speaking on the incident, the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, strongly condemned the act, describing it as a case of child abuse and exploitation.

“The Command will not tolerate child marriage, gender-based violence, or any form of exploitation. Parents must protect their children instead of trading their future for money,” CP Lawal stated.

He further assured that the suspects are currently in custody and would be prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others engaging in similar practices.