Family flees after attack over rejection of Female Genital Mutilation

A family in Benin City has been forced to flee their home following an attack by relatives who demanded that their daughters undergo female genital mutilation (FGM).

Mrs. Obanor Mary, the mother of the girls, told reporters that she was shocked when elders and youths from her husband’s royal family stormed their residence on December 20, 2024. She explained that her refusal to allow her daughters to undergo the cultural practice led to a violent confrontation, during which the attackers beat her and her daughters, destroyed their property, and set their house on fire.

Mrs. Obanor identified one of the attackers as a former armed robber who had previously targeted their family. She said her family now lives in constant fear of further attacks and threats, as the royal family has vowed to make their lives miserable.

Although female genital mutilation is illegal in Nigeria, it remains a practice in some communities, with many families continuing to insist on its observance. The police have been informed of the incident, and investigations are currently underway.