Former Aviation Minister, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode has reacted to the news making the rounds that a Southern Sudanese girl, Nyalong Ngong Deng, was auctioned by her father in exchange for 530 cows, three Toyota Land Cruisers and $10,000 cash.
The ex-minister’s reaction came in a tweet via his verified Twitter handle on Tuesday morning.
Fani-Kayode described the act as “shameful and barbaric”.
He said, “I am shocked by the story about a young Southern Sudanese girl that was auctioned on Facebook by her own father. Amongst the bidders were officials of the Southern Sudanese government…
“The father received 500 cows, 3 cars and $10,000 for his daughter. This is shameful and barbaric!”
Although it is illegal for a girl to be married before the age of 18 in South Sudan, the 17-year-old Deng was auctioned off on Facebook to a wealthy businessman as his tenth wife.
While Facebook has since deleted the auction, the tech giant’s action came after the deed was already done.
Human rights activicts now fear such audacious move could inspire other families to try the same thing.
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