Faith
Christian Girl Detained by Nigerian Islamic Police
Faith Facts
- A 15-year-old Christian girl, Ummi Tambaya, has been held by the Kano State Hisbah Board in Nigeria since December 1, amid fears of forced conversion to Islam.
- Efforts by her family, local police, and village authorities to secure her release have been unsuccessful, with reports of officials refusing to act and even demanding money.
- The girl’s family and Christian leaders are appealing to authorities for her release, highlighting concerns about religious persecution and forced conversions in the region.
The case of young Ummi Tambaya raises grave concerns about the ongoing religious challenges Christians face in northern Nigeria. Her abduction and reported pressure to convert highlight the struggles for religious freedom and family integrity in the region.
Pastor Kabiru Usman, advocating for Ummi’s rescue, has called for authorities to intervene, citing a pattern of discrimination and neglect towards Christian families.
“We are appealing to relevant authorities to come to our aid. The family of Ummi are traumatized, we don’t know her present condition and we are afraid the culprits will escape this because we have had five other similar cases of forceful conversions of our girls in the area.”
The family accuses the Hisbah commander of withholding information and misleading them about Ummi’s whereabouts. Reports indicate officials demanded payment under false pretenses but failed to assist in recovering the girl.
Church leaders and the Christian community are united in prayer and advocacy, trusting in God’s justice and the power of faith to overcome oppression.
As followers of Christ, we must lift this family up in prayer and stand for the religious liberty of all believers. Our faith calls us to protect the vulnerable and affirm the value of every life in Christ.