The Nigerian Minister of Women Affairs have been urged to intervene in the case of a young Adamawa girl that was forced into marriage and converted from Christianity to Islam.
Sixteen-year-old Miss Georgia Miracle, despite the objections of her mother was forced into early marriage and converted to a Muslim in Jambutu, Jimeta-Yola, Adamawa State. Mrs. Haina Miracle, a widow who has been raising her daughter alone since her husband’s death in 2015.
“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,” Ighorhiohwunu Aghogho convener of Operation Save Nigerian Children said in a letter to the Minister of Women Affairs.
“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.”
