The Plateau State Youth Council has called for the immediate rescue of a 17-year-old girl, Miss Jinkai Yusuf Simon, following allegations of abduction and forced religious conversion in Kaduna State.
In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Panan Gongden Dapar, and Public Relations Officer, Bahal Nanpyal Mark, the council said the incident occurred in Kuregu, Zaria, where the teenager had been living with her elder sister while attending secondary school.
According to the council, Jinkai—an indigene of Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State—went missing after leaving for school and failing to return home. Her disappearance reportedly raised alarm after her school bag was found in the possession of a minor allegedly linked to a neighbour identified as Rukkaya.
The PYC stated that the neighbour initially denied knowledge of the girl’s whereabouts but later revealed that the teenager had been communicating with a man identified as Abdulsamad.
The council further alleged that photographic evidence shows the minor dressed in a hijab alongside the said neighbour, while documents purportedly from Kano State indicate her name had been changed to “Aisha Sani” and “Aisha Abdulsamad,” with her age also allegedly altered.
Describing the development as disturbing, the council condemned the act as a violation of fundamental rights, including freedom of religion, human dignity, and personal liberty, as enshrined in the Constitution, as well as provisions of the Child Rights Act 2003.
“As a minor, Miss Jinkai cannot legally give informed consent,” the statement noted, adding that the case bears signs of child trafficking, exploitation, and abuse.
The council urged the Kaduna and Plateau State governments, alongside agencies such as the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, to launch a thorough investigation, secure the girl’s release, and ensure those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.
The PYC reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing justice until the teenager is safely reunited with her family.
