Investigations by Arewa PUNCH indicate that as more Boko Haram insurgents surrender their weapons and renounce terrorism, concerns are growing over the difficulty unmarried women among them are facing in finding partners.
Reports suggest that the repentant terrorists are being reintegrated into society, but the women among them are struggling to find husbands as law-abiding men seem reluctant to pursue relationships with them.
According to official records, there are 162,000 surrendered insurgents and their families, but there is no data on the number of single, divorced, or widowed women among them.
Community leaders have expressed concerns about men shying away from forming relationships with these women, despite some expressing their desire to marry or remarry.
“The women are eager to find partners, but potential suitors seem hesitant to approach them,” said Modu Grema Wakil, a ward head in Old Maiduguri.
Wakil voiced worries that without finding partners, these women may be tempted to return to terrorism, undoing their efforts to reintegrate into society.
Addressing potential societal stigma, Wakil noted that while it may exist, it is diminishing, but the lack of trust in the women’s repentance is a major deterrent for suitors.
He urged the Borno State government to assist in facilitating marriages for these women to ensure their stability in society.
In response, Zuwaira Gambo, the Borno State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, welcomed the women’s desire to marry, emphasizing its positive impact on their integration into society.
She mentioned collaboration with the Allamin Foundation to create a database and address the needs of these women and girls affected by the insurgency.
Efforts to interview these women directly were challenging due to fear of further stigmatization, with many choosing to communicate their concerns through community leaders.