By Isah Moses 

A 17-year-old student, Jinkai Yusuf Simon, has been reported missing after she allegedly failed to return home from school in Zaria, Kaduna State. Her family has raised concerns over possible abduction and subsequent identity alteration, prompting alerts to community leaders and security agencies.

A 17-year-old Senior Secondary School 1 student, Jinkai Yusuf Simon, has been reported missing in Zaria, Kaduna State, following her alleged disappearance on 9 March 2026 after leaving home for school.

According to her elder sister, Jennifer Yusuf Simon, the student left for St. Bartholomew’s Secondary School, Wusasa, but did not return home after school hours. Initial efforts by the family to locate her reportedly proved unsuccessful.

The family alleges that Jinkai may have been in contact with an individual identified as “Abdulsamad” prior to her disappearance. They also claim that inconsistencies emerged regarding the identity of the said individual during attempts to trace her movements.

Jennifer further stated that school authorities confirmed Jinkai was present on the day in question but reportedly left the school premises shortly after examinations, saying she would return.

Following the incident, the matter was escalated to school officials, religious leaders, and traditional authorities in Wusasa. The Galadima of Wusasa reportedly directed local ward authorities to produce the missing student, while security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), were also informed.

The family has also alleged that they were shown photographs of Jinkai wearing a hijab, alongside documents purportedly indicating changes to her identity and marital status in Kano State. These claims have not been independently verified by authorities.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official confirmation from security agencies regarding her whereabouts or the status of investigations.

Authorities and community stakeholders are expected to continue efforts to clarify the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.