A two-month-old baby girl has died following an alleged incident of female genital mutilation (FGM) and tribal facial marking carried out without the consent of her parents in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, sparking outrage and renewed concerns over harmful traditional practices.
The infant, identified by her parents as Adetunji Anuoluwapo Temileyi, was born on April 17, 2018, and died on June 30, 2018, barely a week after the alleged procedures were performed.
According to the family, the incident occurred on June 23, 2018, at their residence on Awolowo Avenue, Ilishan-Remo, while the child’s mother was temporarily away from home.
The child’s father, Mr. Adetunji Abiodun, alleged that several members of his extended family arrived unexpectedly at the residence that afternoon.
He said his wife briefly left the house to purchase groceries for the visitors, unaware of what would transpire during her absence.
According to him, some relatives allegedly subjected the infant to female genital mutilation and tribal facial marking without the knowledge or approval of either parent.
Mr. Abiodun said he became concerned after learning that family members had gathered at the house and immediately contacted his wife, urging her to return home.
“When my wife returned home, she found our daughter crying and bleeding. We realised something serious had happened. With the assistance of neighbours, we rushed our daughter to hospital for emergency treatment,” he recounted.
The parents said the child remained under medical care for several days before she eventually died on June 30.
The family alleged that individuals involved in the incident included Mrs. Adetunji Agnes, Chief Adetunji Adewale, whom they described as the head of the family, and other relatives who supported traditional practices involving female genital mutilation and tribal facial marking.
According to the parents, the matter was reported to the police immediately after the incident on June 23 and again following the child’s death a week later.
However, as of the time of filing this report, no arrests had been publicly confirmed in connection with the case. Efforts to obtain comments from the Ogun State Police Command were unsuccessful.
The incident has generated concern among residents of the community, many of whom described the allegations as disturbing and called for greater protection of children from harmful traditional practices.
One resident, who requested anonymity, said the death of the infant highlighted the dangers associated with customs that expose children to unnecessary risks.
“The death of any child is a tragedy. Practices that place children at risk should not be tolerated, and children deserve protection regardless of family traditions,” the resident said.
Female genital mutilation is prohibited under Nigeria’s Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015 and other child protection laws adopted across several states.
Human rights and child welfare organisations have consistently campaigned against the practice, warning of its severe physical, psychological and social consequences.
Nigeria remains one of the countries with the highest number of female genital mutilation survivors globally. Advocacy groups have repeatedly called for stricter enforcement of existing laws and stronger measures to safeguard women and children from harmful traditional practices.
The incident has reignited calls for authorities to investigate allegations of FGM and other forms of violence against children, while ensuring that those found culpable are brought to justice.
