The Tiv Area Traditional Council (TATC) in Benue state has forbid the practice of traditional parties in the house of the bride's parents during traditional marriages.

The decision was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the General Assembly (Ijirtamen) of the Tiv nation held at the TATC Chambers and was chaired by the Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse.

“The practice of holding festivities in the house of the girl’s parents popularly known as Traditional Marriage involving cutting of cake, dances, parties should be discontinued as it is alien to the Tiv way of life. Celebration of a new wife is done by the Tiv People only in the husband’s house.

“Love should be the primary issue between the families concerned in marriage discussion and transaction but not money. Therefore, total expenses on marriage including dowry or bride price (kem kwase) and all sundry issues (Azaan a kwase) which at the moment vary from one community or family to another should not exceed One hundred Thousand Naira (N100,000.00) in Tivland,” the communiqué said.

The Elders also added that the during the marriage rights, the invitation of large number of friends and well-wishers is also forbidden.

It says a girl is only qualified for marriage when she is 18 year-old - stressing that anyone who refuse to follow the new marriage custom will be denied marriage registration and will also face sanctions.