The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has been petitioned by a group; Operation Save Nigerian Children, over an alleged abduction of a Christian girl in Adamawa and forceful conversion to Muslim.

The convener of the group, Ighorhiohwunu Aghogho, who signed the petition on Friday, stated that the law should intervene and always ensure Nigerian children are protected according to the Child Rights Act 2003.

According to the report, 16-year-old Georgia Miracle, was being taken care of by her widowed mother, Mrs Haina Miracle since 2015 when she lost her husband.

The report also included that Georgia was subsequently married off to Jambutu, Jimeta-Yola, a Muslim in Adamawa. Aghogho further mentioned that the teen was taken against her mother’s will and would not be consistent in her testimonies in court.

Titled “A Case of Alleged Child Abduction and Forced Conversion of a Child: Request for Intervention”, the petition reads;

“I am writing to bring to your attention a disturbing case of alleged abduction, forced conversion, and coercion of a 16-year-old Christian girl, Miss Georgia Miracle, in Adamawa State.

“As the Convener of ‘Operation Save Nigerian Children’, we are mandated by law to act on behalf of any child in Nigeria, in line with the provisions of the Child Rights Act 2023.

“The court session revealed shocking and troubling details, including inconsistencies in Georgia’s testimony and admissions by Muslim leaders that they facilitated her conversion. Furthermore, the absence of a Family Court with exclusive jurisdiction on children matters in Adamawa State to hear the case highlights the urgent need for effective implementation of the Child Rights Act.

“Part III of the Child Rights Act, specifically sections 21 and 22, prohibits child marriage and betrothal, declaring that no person under 18 can contract a valid marriage and that no parent, guardian, or other person can betroth a child. Section 23 of the Act further stipulates punishment for child marriage and betrothal.

“In light of these provisions, we urge you to take immediate action to protect the rights and welfare of Miss Georgia Miracle.”

The group also highlight that children should be adequately protected in the country and requested the Government to establish courts to handle children cases and adequately equip them for effectiveness.

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