A child rights advocacy group, Operation Save Nigerian Children, has petitioned the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, over the alleged abduction and forced conversion of a 16-year-old Christian, Miss Georgia Miracle, in Adamawa State.

In the petition signed by the group?s convener, Ighorhiohwunu Aghogho, on Friday, the organisation called for urgent intervention, citing violations of the Child Rights Act 2003.

The petition, titled ?A Case of Alleged Child Abduction and Forced Conversion of a Child: Request for Intervention,? highlights concerns over the alleged coercion of the teenage girl into Islam and her subsequent marriage to a Muslim in Jambutu, Jimeta-Yola, Adamawa State.

?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,? it partly read.

According to the letter, Miracle was abducted despite the objections of her mother, Mrs Haina Miracle, a widow who has been raising her daughter alone since her husband?s death in 2015.

The group further alleged that local Muslim leaders facilitated the teenager?s conversion and that inconsistencies in her testimony in court raised serious concerns.

?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 statement added.

The group emphasised that the lack of a Family Court in Adamawa State, which has exclusive jurisdiction over matters involving minors, is a significant impediment to justice.

The group also called for the establishment of Family Courts across all states, including Adamawa, to handle child-related cases effectively.

?Provide adequate resources and support to these courts to enable them to effectively address cases involving children.

?Strengthen the implementation of the Child Rights Act to prevent abuses and ensure the protection of children?s rights.

?We believe that these measures will help safeguard the well-being and future of Nigerian children. We look forward to your prompt attention to this matter,? the petition added. (The PUNCH)

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