PUBLIC STATEMENT

URGENT APPEAL FOR JUSTICE, SAFETY, AND PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN ESAN LAND, EDO STATE, NIGERIA.

We, the undersigned advocates for justice, human dignity, and the rule of law, write to draw urgent attention to the ongoing persecution and life-threatening oppression being endured by Mr. Christopher Ehijie O. and his family, natives of Esan West Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria.

Mr. Christopher is currently the target of unrelenting harassment, death threats, and physical violence from two forces within his community:

1. A dangerous cult group, which has targeted him for refusing to inherit his late father’s position within the group;

2. Certain community elders, who have condemned him and his wife for refusing to allow the female genital mutilation (FGM) of their infant daughter.

These dual acts of resistance—against cult inheritance and against the barbaric practice of FGM—have led to sustained threats, including threatening messages, calls, and physical harm.

Despite reporting these attacks and threats to the police on four separate occasions, no protection or intervention has been provided. Shockingly, the intimidation and violence have continued with impunity. A Catholic priest, Rev. Father James Blessing Isimen, intervened by writing formally to the cult group, appealing for peace. Unfortunately, his plea was ignored, and the threats escalated.

Fearing for their lives, Christopher and his wife fled Nigeria and sought refuge abroad. However, following the passing away of his father, the elders insisted that he must return to Nigeria to perform final rites, as his father’s burial will not hold without his presence as the first son in line with traditional customs.

When Mr. Christopher returned to Nigeria in April 2025, to bury his father, he was violently attacked in his home by the same cult members, sustaining injuries. He barely escaped with his life without performing his father's burial and has since gone into hiding. The level of impunity and disregard for human life displayed in this case is deeply alarming.

Even more disturbing is the Female Genital Multilation (FGM) still practiced in these communities. In many cases, young girls are circumcised forcefully—without parental consent—as part of harmful traditional rites. This gross violation of children’s rights is not only illegal but immoral and must be abolished without compromise.

Sadly, this is not an isolated case. In 2023, Edagbonmen Success and his family from Esan Central LGA suffered similar threats for rejecting Cultism and FGM. They eventually fled abroad for their safety. In August 2024, Odion Egbadon, also from Esan West, was tragically killed because he refused to inherit his family’s position in the occultic kingdom.

These are not just cultural issues; they are criminal acts cloaked in tradition. The silence and inaction of law enforcement and government institutions only embolden these groups and put more lives at risk.

We hereby issue a strong and urgent call to:

1. The appropriate authorities

2. Civil Society and Human Rights Organizations;

3. The Media and General Public

To act immediately by:

Providing full protection and support to the people concerned and their families .

Investigating and prosecuting all individuals and groups responsible for these act.

Enforcing the ban on female genital mutilation and holding violators accountable;

Dismantling the oppressive systems that uphold secret cults and coerced traditions in our communities.

No one should be forced to choose between death and tradition. No child should face mutilation in the name of culture. We must rise as a people to condemn these practices and build a society where freedom, safety, and human dignity are protected.

Let us not wait for more lives to be lost. Let justice be served now.

Signed,

Osazuwa Samuel

Coalition for Justice and Human Rights Group

Edo State, Nigeria.

Date 14th April, 2025.