“I’d rather my daughter sleep with 100 men than marry early,” woman says in viral video, sparking outrage online

A viral video circulating on X (formerly Twitter) has ignited intense debate across Nigeria after a woman declared she regrets marrying young and would prefer her daughter to “knack 100 men or more” than experience the same fate.

The 42-second clip, filmed outdoors, shows the visibly emotional woman lamenting her decision to marry early, describing it as the “worst mistake” of her life. Speaking in a mix of Pidgin and local slang, she said, “Make my pikin knack 100 men, I no mind. E better pass to marry early like me. I suffer tire.”

Her remarks, perceived by many as a shocking endorsement of promiscuity, have since triggered outrage on social media. Within hours of posting, the video gathered hundreds of reposts and 14 direct replies, most condemning her words as “unstable” and “disturbing.” One user commented, “She needs therapy, not a camera,” while another wrote, “This is what happens when pain turns into bitterness. Don’t destroy your daughter’s mindset.”

Despite the backlash, a few voices online urged compassion, suggesting the woman’s comments may stem from trauma linked to her own early marriage experience — a struggle still common in many parts of Nigeria.

According to UNICEF, about 43% of Nigerian girls are married before turning 18, one of the highest rates in Africa. Experts link child marriage to increased risks of poverty, domestic violence, health complications, and reduced education opportunities. A 2024 report further estimated that early marriage contributes to 44,000 preventable deaths annually and costs Nigeria roughly $10 billion in lost productivity each year.

Sociologists note that the woman’s statement, though crude, reflects a deeper frustration shared by many women who feel trapped by societal pressures to marry early, especially in rural or economically disadvantaged regions. “Her delivery is wrong, but her pain is real,” said a Lagos-based gender rights advocate reacting to the clip. “Too many girls are forced into marriage before they’re emotionally or financially ready — the consequences are lifelong.”

The controversy underscores a growing generational divide in Nigeria’s conversation around relationships, sexuality, and women’s rights. As more young Nigerians embrace social media to challenge traditional norms, topics once considered taboo — like sex, marriage timing, and female autonomy — have become viral battlegrounds of opinion.

Still, critics warn that sensational videos like this risk distorting legitimate discussions about early marriage by mixing personal trauma with shock value. “You can campaign against child marriage without normalizing immorality,” one reply read. “We must find balance.”

Whether seen as a cry for help or a misguided rant, the video has succeeded in reigniting a national conversation — one that forces Nigerians to confront the painful realities behind early marriage and the deep scars it leaves behind.

Watch the video below

— Busterblog.com