A family of five from Usi Ekiti in Ekiti State has reportedly gone into hiding following escalating threats and violence linked to their refusal to subject their daughters to female circumcision, a traditional practice still observed in parts of the state.
Residents of the area identified the head of the family as Mr. Olabode Falusi, who lived with his wife and children at No. 10 Surulere Street, opposite Government College, Usi Ekiti.
According to multiple sources within the community, tensions began earlier this year after Mr. Falusi repeatedly declined pressure from community elders to allow his daughters to undergo circumcision, in line with longstanding local customs.
Community insiders disclosed that the family had earlier relocated from Oye Local Government Area to Usi Ekiti in an attempt to avoid such pressure, but they were allegedly tracked and summoned back by influential leaders insisting on compliance with tradition.
Matters reportedly escalated in late January when a group of individuals, believed to be acting under the direction of community authorities, visited the family’s residence.
Eyewitnesses described a confrontation that turned violent, leaving members of the household injured.
Unconfirmed reports also indicate that Mr. Falusi’s wife, who was pregnant at the time, suffered a miscarriage following the incident.
Following the attack, Mr. Falusi was said to have reported the matter to law enforcement authorities. However, sources claim that no decisive action was taken, with jurisdictional issues and alleged local influence complicating the case.
In the days that followed, neighbors reported that the family abruptly vacated their residence. Since then, their whereabouts remain unknown.
“There have been rumors that they fled the country for safety. Nobody has seen them since the incident, and people are saying they may have traveled abroad,” a resident who requested anonymity said.
Other sources suggested the family may have initially relocated to Lagos before possibly leaving Nigeria entirely, although this could not be independently verified at the time of filing this report.
Community leaders contacted for comment declined to provide detailed statements but maintained that cultural traditions must be respected.
Human rights observers note that female circumcision, also known as female genital mutilation (FGM), is widely condemned internationally as a violation of the rights of girls and women.
As of press time, efforts to confirm the current location and safety of the Falusi family have not been successful.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.