Family threatens daughter over genital mutilation in Niger state
UNICEF, in 2022, launched a community-led initiative to end the harmful practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) on the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM. The organization acknowledged that the prevalence of FGM remains widespread in Nigeria, with an estimated 19.9 million survivors. Nigeria accounts for the third-highest number of women and girls who have undergone FGM worldwide.
The United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA), while reviewing a situation analysis on FGN in Nigeria stated that, FGM is still widespread in the country. Certain social and cultural determinants, such as grandmothers, mothers, opinion leaders, and elders, continue to support the practice. These determinants associate FGM with girls’ eligibility for marriage.
This is the plight of Chantel L. Job, who hails from Gbako local government of Niger state and married to Mr. Imevbore M. Ogie from Etsako west in Edo state in 2022. Mrs. Chantel vehemently rejected a ritual of genital mutilation required for initiation into a womanhood association in her community. What initially seemed like a persuasive request has metamorphosed into a threat to her life.
While wedding plans were underway, Chantel’s kinsmen approached her to consent to a date for the mutilation to take place. Chantel, knowing the implications of genital mutilation, rejected their request, stating that she would only undergo the procedure for medical reasons, not to satisfy a cultural practice that should have been overtaken by exposure and civilisation.
The couple is calling on Nigeria Police Force to intervene, as the situation has degenerated into a threat to life, Mrs. Chantel’s family would rather prefer she is no longer alive than bring reproach to the family, who pride themselves on the age-long practice of genital mutilation.
According to them, this practice prevents married women from cheating on their husbands. Mr. Imevbore, who finds the situation very frustrating, further stated that they keep moving from one rented apartment to another to save their lives. Efforts to speak with Mrs. Chantel’s family have proved abortive, as they are not open to discussing family affairs with the media.
