Lagos residents, Mr. Lawrence Ogoigbe and his wife, Omotayo, have raised alarm over what they describe as a series of violent attacks and threats stemming from a longstanding family dispute tied to traditional cultural practices in Edo State.
The couple told reporters that they have been repeatedly targeted by members of Mr. Lawrence’s extended family after refusing to participate in ancestral rites associated with his lineage in Sabongida-Ora, Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
According to them, tensions escalated following the 16th birthday of their daughters—triplets, Veronica, Vivian and Victoria—on February 23, 2026.
They alleged that senior family members demanded that the girls be presented for circumcision, in line with what they described as a cultural practice requiring multiple female children, such as twins or triplets, to undergo the ritual at that age.
Mr. and Mrs. Ogoigbe, who identified themselves as practising Christians, said they declined the demand on religious and ethical grounds, a decision they claim has since exposed them to danger.
The most recent incident reportedly occurred on March 1, 2026, at the family’s residence on Tioluwani Crescent, Abaranje Road, Lagos, where they had relocated in a bid to maintain anonymity.
Mr. Lawrence alleged that a group of relatives, led by a family member identified as Chief Bright Ogoigbe, stormed the residence and confronted them. He claimed that the confrontation turned violent, during which he was physically assaulted and an attempt was made to forcibly take the children.
He said he sustained injuries during the incident and later received medical treatment. The matter, he added, was reported to the local police division as well as the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Alagbon Annex, Lagos.
The father of three further alleged that the Lagos incident was not isolated, stating that he had previously been attacked in both Edo and Lagos States over the same dispute.
“These were not verbal disagreements They involved physical attacks and threats that made it unsafe for my family to remain in one place,” he said.
The couple added that repeated relocations within the southern region of the country have failed to shield them from continued intimidation, leaving them in constant fear for their safety.
Mr. Ogoigbe further expressed concern over the psychological toll of the situation on his family, particularly his wife and children, noting that the persistent threats have caused anxiety and emotional distress.
“My greatest fear is not just for myself, but for my wife and children. No family should have to live like this because of their beliefs,” he lamented.
He called on relevant security agencies to urgently intervene, stressing that the issue has gone beyond a private family dispute and now poses serious concerns about personal safety and the enforcement of cultural practices.
Efforts to reach the individuals named in the allegations for comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.