News

Plateau Youth Council condemns abduction, forceful conversion of 17-year-old girl to Islam

Published

1 month ago

May 5, 2026

Preport

The Plateau State Youth Council, PYC, has reacted to an alleged abduction and forceful conversion of a 17-year-old girl, Miss Jinkai Yusuf Simon, by a Muslim man identified as Abdulsamad in Kaduna State, calling on the state government to take action and rescue the minor immediately.

According to a statement jointly signed and issued on Monday by Panan Gongden Dapar and Bahal Nanpyal Mark, the
Chairman and Public Relations Officer of the PYC, respectively, the incident occurred in Kuregu, Zaria, Kaduna State, where the teenager who is from Pankshin LGA of Plateau had been living with her elder sister while attending the St. Bartholomew’s Secondary School, Wusasa.

In the statement, the PYC described the abduction of the girl as a case of child trafficking and urged both state governments and other relevant authorities to do everything possible to rescue her, arrest, and prosecute her abductors.

“The Plateau State Youth Council, PYC, condemns the forceful abduction and religious coercion of a 17-year-old student, Miss Jinkai Yusuf Simon, and hereby calls for the immediate intervention from security agencies to secure her release,” the statement said.

Continuing, the PYC said:

“Miss Jinkai, an indigene of Danchor in Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State, is a Senior Secondary School 1 student. Her family currently resides in Banki, Kubau LGA of Kaduna State.

“Jinkai left home for school on an unspecified date but never returned. Days of searching ended when her school bag was discovered in the possession of a minor allegedly linked to a neighbour identified as Rukkaya.

“Rukkaya initially denied knowledge of Jinkai’s whereabouts.

“She later disclosed that the teenager had been in communication with a man identified as Abdulsamad.

“The Council has received disturbing photographic evidence showing the minor dressed in a hijab alongside Rukkaya. More alarming were alleged court affidavits from Kano State indicating her name had been changed to “Aisha Sani” and “Aisha Abdulsamad,” with her age also altered.

“This act is reprehensible and violates multiple provisions of the 1999 Constitution, including Section 38 on freedom of religion, Section 34 on human dignity, and Section 35 on personal liberty as well as Section 27 of the Child Rights Act 2003, which prohibits the unlawful removal of a child from the custody of parents or guardians.

“As a minor, Miss Jinkai cannot legally give informed consent. The Council is therefore demanding a thorough investigation by the Plateau and Kaduna State governments, Department of State Services, NAPTIP, and the Nigeria Police Force to ensure her rescue, rehabilitation, and safe reunification with her family and a prompt identification, arrest, and prosecution of everyone involved because this case bears the clear markings of child trafficking, exploitation, and abuse.

“We will continue to pursue justice until Miss Jinkai is safely returned.”

Related Topics:17yearold Abduction Condemns conversion Council forceful girl Islam plateau youth

Up Next

Plateau Reps Aspirant, Darim Dachomo Intensifies Consultations, Seeks Prayers Ahead of 2027 Election

Don't Miss

NIS refutes claims on passport payment system, warns against fake portals – Technology Times

Click to comment

News

Sen Jang Opposes Indigene Certificates for Hausa/Fulani Residents, Raises Concerns Over Plateau Identity

Published

3 hours ago

June 14, 2026

Preport

Former Plateau State Governor and elder statesman, Senator Jonah David Jang, has voiced strong opposition to proposals that would allow Hausa/Fulani residents in Plateau State to obtain indigene certificates, describing the issue as one with far-reaching implications for the state’s cultural heritage, identity, and indigenous rights. Jang made his position known while addressing ongoing debates surrounding citizenship, residency, and indigeneity, topics that have remained at the center of political and social discussions in Plateau State for decades.

According to the former governor, indigene certificates are historically linked to communities and ethnic groups recognized as the original inhabitants of Plateau State and should not be granted solely on the basis of long-term residence. He argued that while every Nigerian has the constitutional right to live and conduct lawful activities anywhere in the country, such rights should not automatically translate into indigene status, which he said carries unique cultural and historical significance.

Jang further maintained that preserving the distinction between residents and indigenes is necessary to protect the interests, heritage, and political representation of indigenous communities. He warned that altering the existing framework could create tensions and undermine the rights of groups that have historically been recognized as native to the state. The former governor emphasized the need for careful consideration of any policy changes relating to indigene certificates to avoid unintended consequences.

The comments have since generated mixed reactions among stakeholders across the state and beyond. While supporters of Jang’s position argue that protecting indigenous identity is essential for maintaining social and cultural balance, others contend that individuals who have lived in Plateau for generations should be afforded broader recognition and inclusion. The debate continues to spark conversations on the broader issues of citizenship, belonging, and equal opportunities within Nigeria’s diverse society.

News

Vincent Ugwoke Makes Nigerian Athletics History with NCAA Discus Bronze

Published

4 hours ago

June 14, 2026

Preport

Nigerian thrower Vincent Ugwoke produced one of the most significant performances in Nigerian field event history, launching a massive personal best of 63.89 metres to claim the bronze medal in the men’s discus throw at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

Sports247 reports that the outstanding effort not only secured Ugwoke a place on the podium but also elevated him into the history books, recording the furthest discus throw by a Nigerian athlete since 2004.

Competing against one of the strongest collegiate fields in the world, Ugwoke delivered when it mattered most, producing a career-best mark to earn his first NCAA medal and underline his growing status among Nigeria’s elite field athletes.

The event was won by Jamaican star Ralford Mullings, who captured gold with a throw of 65.81m, while compatriot Racquil Broderick secured silver with a personal best of 64.15m. Ugwoke’s 63.89m throw completed the podium and ensured Nigeria was represented among the medal winners.

Beyond the medal itself, the significance of the performance lies in its historical context. Nigerian athletics has traditionally been known for its success in sprinting and jumping events, making Ugwoke’s achievement particularly noteworthy.

His mark stands as the best by a Nigerian discus thrower in more than two decades, highlighting both the quality of his performance and its importance for the development of field events in the country.

The bronze medal also caps an impressive season of progress for the Nigerian, whose steady improvement culminated in a breakthrough performance on one of collegiate athletics’ biggest stages.

Delivering a personal best under championship pressure is a testament to both his preparation and competitive mindset.

For Nigerian athletics, Ugwoke’s achievement serves as a reminder of the growing depth of talent emerging across different disciplines.

His success could provide inspiration for a new generation of throwers looking to make their mark nationally and internationally.

With a personal best, an NCAA bronze medal, and a place in the record books now secured, Vincent Ugwoke leaves the championships having achieved a truly memorable milestone.

His 63.89m throw will be remembered as one of the finest Nigerian discus performances of the modern era and a significant moment in the resurgence of Nigerian field events.