By Lawrence Zongo
The Stefanos Foundation, a human rights organization, has raised alarm over the persistent issue of forced marriages and conversions of underage Christian girls in Northern Nigeria. At a press conference held today at the Tafawa Balewa Hall, Nicon Luxury, the Foundation highlighted the recent abduction and forced marriage of 16-year-old Godiya Musa in Kaduna, reflecting a broader, systemic problem.
Underage Marriages Persist Despite Global Efforts
Despite nearly three decades since the 1995 UN Beijing Conference aimed at promoting gender equality, Northern Nigeria remains a hotspot for underage marriages. The country is third globally in the prevalence of child marriages, with 30.3% of girls married before adulthood, compared to 1.6% of boys. Bauchi State reports the highest incidence, particularly in rural areas where such practices are rampant.
The Case of Godiya Musa
Godiya Musa, a Christian girl from Ungwan Sarkin Hausawa village in Giwa Local Government, Kaduna State, was abducted on May 12, 2024. She was taken to Katsina and subsequently returned to Kaduna to be forcibly married to a Muslim man without her family’s consent. Despite persistent efforts by the Stefanos Foundation, Godiya remains separated from her widowed mother.
A History of Forced Conversions
The Foundation cited historical cases to underscore the ongoing crisis. In 2016, 16-year-old Habibba Ishaku was abducted in Katsina, and in 2023, a widow’s daughter in Bauchi was similarly forced into marriage. Another prominent case involved the abduction of Ese Oruru from Bayelsa in 2016, who was taken to Kano for a forced marriage.
Violations of Legal and Human Rights
Forced marriages constitute severe violations of the fundamental human rights of underage girls, including the rights to freedom of religion, personal liberty, and family life as enshrined in the Nigerian constitution. The Stefanos Foundation stressed the urgent need for government intervention to safeguard these vulnerable girls and uphold their rights.
A Call to Action
The Stefanos Foundation calls on the Nigerian government, security agencies, and the international community to take decisive action to end the abduction and forced conversion of Christian girls in Northern Nigeria. Addressing this issue is critical for promoting gender equality, education, and the overall development of the country.
Stefanos Foundation’s Ongoing Advocacy
The Foundation remains steadfast in its advocacy for the release and protection of underage girls like Godiya Musa and Habibba Ishaku. They demand thorough investigations into these abductions and assert that ensuring the liberty and rights of these girls is essential for building a more inclusive and progressive Nigeria.
