Zamfara lawmaker marries off 105 girls orphaned by banditry

A Federal lawmaker representing Maru/Bungudu Federal Constituency in Zamfara state, Abdul Malik Zubairu, has married off 105 girls whose parents were killed by bandits. 

The mass wedding was held on Saturday, July 6, 2024, in Bungudu town, the headquarters of Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State. 

The 105 brides were selected from the 21 political wards of Bungudu/Maru Federal Constituency. 

In a speech at the event, the lawmaker said that all the beneficiaries were assisted with household materials, including beds, mattresses, wardrobes, bed sheets and pillows, amongst others.

“We paid N100,000 for each of the 105 brides as dowry. You know, during our campaign, we promised to support families affected by banditry,” Zubairu said. 

“Alhamdulillah, today, I am fulfilling one of my campaign promises by sponsoring 105 brides for marriage to their suitors.” 

The lawmaker also said that most of the brides lost their parents to banditry, while a few others were selected from less privileged families. 

He also said that, in addition to the dowry payment, each groom received N100,000, while each bride received N50,000 to start any business of their choice.

The Chairman of the occasion, Abdulrahman Kawu-Sumaila, commended the lawmaker for the kind gesture. Mr Kawu-Sumaila, a Kano senator, urged the constituents to appreciate, support and pray for the lawmaker. 

He advised the couples to be patient with each other, saying that marriage is part of Ibadat (faith). He also announced a personal donation of N20,000 to each of the couples. 

The event was attended by traditional rulers, Islamic scholars, community leaders and politicians, among other important dignitaries from the constituency.