A child rights advocacy group, Operation Save Nigerian Children, has raised alarm over the alleged abduction and forced conversion of a 16-year-old Christian girl, Miss Georgia Miracle, in Adamawa State. The group has petitioned the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, calling for urgent intervention in what they have described as a grave violation of the Child Rights Act 2003.
In a petition submitted on Friday, the organization, led by its Convener Ighorhiohwunu Aghogho, called for the immediate protection of the teenager, citing her abduction, forced conversion to Islam, and subsequent marriage to a Muslim man. The petition, titled “A Case of Alleged Child Abduction and Forced Conversion of a Child: Request for Intervention,” expressed deep concern over the welfare and legal rights of the young girl, urging the government to intervene swiftly.
“We are 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,” the petition stated. “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.”
According to the petition, the teenager was abducted from her home in the Jimeta-Yola area of Adamawa State despite the strong objections of her mother, Mrs. Haina Miracle. Mrs. Miracle, a widow who has been raising her daughter alone since the death of her husband in 2015, reportedly discovered that her daughter was taken against her will.
The advocacy group further alleges that local Muslim leaders played a significant role in facilitating the forced conversion of Georgia Miracle to Islam, and that her testimony during court proceedings raised troubling inconsistencies. These inconsistencies, the group argues, cast doubt on the validity of her actions and statements, suggesting that her conversion may not have been voluntary.
“During a recent court session, shocking and troubling details were revealed, including inconsistencies in Georgia’s testimony,” the petition read. “Additionally, admissions by Muslim leaders indicated that they facilitated her conversion. These revelations highlight the pressing need for a more thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding her abduction and forced conversion.”
The petition also underscored the absence of a Family Court with exclusive jurisdiction over children’s matters in Adamawa State. According to the group, this gap in the legal system has hindered effective justice for minors like Miss Miracle. The Child Rights Act, which is designed to protect the rights of children and prohibit practices such as child marriage, mandates that minors under the age of 18 cannot lawfully enter into marriage.
The group pointed out specific sections of the Child Rights Act that should be enforced to protect Miss Miracle. Sections 21 and 22 of the Act specifically prohibit child marriage and child betrothal, asserting that no individual under the age of 18 can contract a valid marriage. Section 23 outlines punishments for those involved in child marriage or betrothal, reinforcing the law’s commitment to protecting minors from such harmful practices.
“Given these provisions, we urge you to take immediate action to protect the rights and welfare of Miss Georgia Miracle,” the petition implored. The group highlighted the importance of ensuring that the Child Rights Act is fully implemented in Adamawa State, especially with respect to protecting children from forced marriages and conversions.
The absence of a Family Court in Adamawa State, which would have exclusive jurisdiction over matters involving children, is a significant concern raised by Operation Save Nigerian Children. The group pointed out that the lack of such a court prevents timely and appropriate legal actions in cases like Miss Miracle’s. They called for the establishment of Family Courts across all states, including Adamawa, to ensure that children’s rights are upheld and that cases involving minors are handled with the necessary expertise and care.
“We urge you to support the establishment of Family Courts in all states, including Adamawa, and to ensure that these courts are well-resourced to address cases involving children,” the petition continued. “Strengthening the implementation of the Child Rights Act is essential to preventing abuses and ensuring the protection of children’s rights in Nigeria.”
The child rights group further requested the Nigerian government to take steps to ensure that the case of Georgia Miracle is handled in accordance with the law and that her safety and well-being are prioritized. They also urged the Minister of Women Affairs to use her office to advocate for stronger protections for children in Nigeria, particularly those at risk of abduction, forced conversion, and child marriage.
“We believe that these measures will help safeguard the well-being and future of Nigerian children,” the petition concluded. “We look forward to your prompt attention to this matter, as we believe that a timely intervention is crucial in restoring justice and protecting the rights of Georgia Miracle.”
The case has drawn significant attention from child rights activists and concerned Nigerians, who have expressed outrage over the reported abduction and forced conversion of the young Christian girl. Many have called for a thorough investigation into the matter and for those responsible to be held accountable under the law.
The situation also highlights broader concerns about the vulnerability of minors, particularly girls, to abduction and forced marriages in some parts of Nigeria. Advocates have long called for stronger enforcement of laws designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse, particularly in situations where religious and cultural practices are used to justify harmful actions.
This petition to the Minister of Women Affairs is part of ongoing efforts by child rights groups in Nigeria to ensure that the government upholds its responsibilities under national and international human rights frameworks. The case of Georgia Miracle is expected to bring further attention to the urgent need for legal reforms and better protection mechanisms for children across the country.
