A 15-year-old girl, Endurance Sabon, has lost her hand following a brutal attack in Goska community, Kaninkon Ward, Jama’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, after her family reportedly rejected a forced marriage proposal.
The incident, which has sparked outrage within and beyond the community, occurred after men described by residents as suspected Fulani herdsmen allegedly demanded that the teenager be given out in marriage. The family’s refusal is said to have triggered the violent assault.
According to accounts from community sources, the assailants had earlier confronted Endurance’s mother while she was working on the farm, insisting that the girl be released to them for marriage. Days later, the family was reportedly ambushed, during which Endurance was separated from others and attacked.
During the assault, her palm was chopped off, leaving her with permanent and life-altering injuries.
The badly injured teenager was first taken to the General Hospital in Kafanchan before being referred to more advanced medical facilities due to the severity of her wounds. She was later transferred to the Jos University Teaching Hospital for specialised treatment.
A family source described the incident as devastating, stressing that the young girl’s future had been cruelly altered.
“She is just 15 years old. Her life has been changed forever simply because we refused to give her out in marriage,” the source said.
Security sources confirmed that five suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack. The suspects are said to be known within the area, while investigations are
are ongoing to establish individual roles and ensure prosecution.
As of the time of filing this report, the Kaduna State Government is yet to issue an official statement on the incident. However, residents and rights advocates have called on the government and security agencies to ensure justice for the victim and to provide support for her medical care and rehabilitation.
The attack has once again brought renewed attention to the persistent insecurity in parts of Southern Kaduna, where rural communities have for years faced violent attacks, banditry and other criminal activities. Women and children remain among the most vulnerable victims.
Community leaders in Goska have appealed for calm while urging authorities to intensify security measures and address the underlying causes of recurring violence in the area.
As Endurance Sabon continues her battle for recovery, her ordeal stands as a grim reminder of the human cost of insecurity and forced marriage practices in parts of northern Nigeria.