Makurdi, Benue State — July 18, 2025: A Nigerian lady has sparked widespread debate online after revealing her shock upon learning of an alleged controversial marriage tradition in Benue State. She claims that in some parts of the state, a man can claim a woman as his wife simply by firing a gun into the air after expressing interest in her.

The revelation was shared in a TikTok video posted by @ulenusetv, where the woman recounted being told about this tradition during a visit to Benue.

“In this state I am, Benue State, if a man sees me and likes me, once he has shot a gun in the air, he has claimed me. If I want or not, he has paid my bride price like that,” she said.

She added that locals informed her that once this is done, the man’s family would proceed to her father’s house to formalize the claim. In the video, nearby women could be heard confirming the practice, adding credibility to the claim, though many remain skeptical.

Mixed Reactions Online

The video quickly went viral, prompting diverse reactions from Nigerians on social media platforms:

  • Alobanifa: “Assuming you have married and just decide to visit your parents’ village without your husband, and such happens. What’s the next step?”

  • Tee zest: “Some of us who live in Yoruba land, they do it too, but some of their ladies have started escaping from husband houses.”

  • Cutetroy: “🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 so they go about with ibon (guns).”

  • atorise26: “You are playing with this civilization days.”

  • Ayoola Ganiyu620: “What if you are married before and the person didn’t know? After shooting the gun, what will happen?”

  • Jesus wept 🥹: “So what if another day another man shoots up again?”

  • gentle money: “I de come Benue be that ooooo😂😂😂😂 I like u.”

  • Christiana_jegson: “😂😂imagine for Lagos.”

Cultural Context and Clarification

While the claim has ignited curiosity and concern, cultural experts caution that such traditions, if they exist, are either archaic or symbolic and no longer legally or socially enforceable under Nigerian law, which requires consent for marriage.

Additionally, there has been no formal confirmation from Benue traditional authorities or state representatives about the legitimacy or existence of this practice in contemporary society.

Public Concern

The story raises critical conversations about women's rights, consent in marriage, and the need to critically examine cultural practices in the face of modern legal and ethical standards.