The Katsina State Government has concluded plans to organise a mass wedding for at least 1,000 couples in what it says is part of efforts to tackle social challenges across the state.
The initiative, described as the first of its kind, will bring together couples from all 34 local government areas and is scheduled for April 25, 2026.
According to officials, the programme is designed to curb social vices by assisting vulnerable individuals who are willing to marry but are hindered by financial difficulties.
Speaking on Thursday during a livelihood support and counselling training, the Director General of the Katsina State Hisbah Board, Malam Abu-Ammar, outlined the scale of the initiative.
“These 1,000 couples, comprising 2,000 individuals, were drawn from the 34 local government areas of Katsina State.
“This forthcoming mass wedding is one of the state government’s initiatives to reduce the burden of social vices in the state. This is because many widows, orphans, and vulnerable individuals are unable to get married despite their willingness due to socioeconomic challenges,” Abu-Ammar said.
While the government did not disclose the cost of the programme, it indicated that arrangements had been made to support the beneficiaries.
Brides are expected to receive empowerment support, while grooms will be provided with packages to help ease the financial responsibilities associated with marriage.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, A’isha Malumfashi, said all selected participants had undergone screening processes before being approved.
“All the 1,000 couples have undergone medical screening and verification to confirm their health status and compatibility,” the commissioner said.
Malumfashi, who was represented by the ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Aminatu Mashi, added that the training was organised by a marital support foundation in collaboration with the Hisbah Board and the Ministry of Women’s Affairs.
The development comes against a backdrop of growing insecurity in the state.
On Thursday, terrorists allegedly sent a letter to residents of Sukuntuni community in Kankiya Local Government Area, demanding livestock in exchange for safety.
The threat reportedly forced many residents to flee the area in fear of an imminent attack.
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) also raised concern in a Save Our Soul (SOS) message to authorities.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, the group said residents abandoned their homes after receiving the threat from bandits.
“We are in possession of a video clip showing a large number of Muslims fleeing their communities in Sukuntuni, Kankiya Local Government area of Katsina State. The affected communities stretch from Kankiya to Musawa, Chuga and Matazu,” Akintola said.
According to the organisation, the bandits demanded 700 cows and 1,000 sheep to prevent an invasion, issuing an ultimatum to the community.
“Reports say the raison d’etre for their flight was a letter purportedly sent to them by bandits demanding 700 cows and 1,000 sheep to avoid an invasion. The letter which was received on Monday, 6th April, 2026 gave the Muslims Friday, 10th April as the ultimatum,” the statement said.
”Panic stricken, the whole communities of Muslim residents decided to escape from the area before the Friday deadline. They were seen in their hundreds trekking to nowhere, melancholy, grief-stricken, looking for safe shelter. Our hearts bleed. Who did this to Nigeria?”
The group urged the Federal Government to take immediate action to address the worsening security situation and safeguard affected communities.
(SAHARA REPORTERS)