A cross section of participants at a one-day campaign on violence against women, organised by Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, have expressed deep worries over the persistence of forced circumcision, otherwise known as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). They lamented that despite the passage of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law (VAPP) in Edo and other states, perpetrators continue to act with impunity under the cover of tradition.
The women, who gathered last Friday at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, Airport Road, Benin City, described female genital mutilation (FGM) as a grave violation of fundamental human rights and a threat to women’s health. They accused government agencies of weak enforcement and inadequate public awareness of existing legislation, factors they said have contributed to the widespread continuation of the practice across the country.
Some victims recounted being physically overpowered and circumcised shortly after marriage in communities where the practice is still considered a norm. They explained that women who resist are often threatened with social exclusion and stigmatisation.
Mrs. Grace Igbinedion, a grandmother from Iguobazuwa in Ovia South-West Local Government Area, said, “It is heart-breaking that in this modern age, some people still believe in cutting girls to prove tradition and curb promiscuity. My granddaughters have refused to visit me for fear of forced circumcision, which is a common tradition there. I feel my daughters deserve protection, not pain.”
A survivor, who identified herself simply as Joy, recalled her ordeal “I was only 12 when it happened to me. I still carry the scars, both in my body and in my mind. I don’t want any other girl to go through the horror I experienced. Because we are compelled to stay silent, the cycle of abuse never ends.”
Rights advocates at the forum said the situation persists largely because of poor enforcement and a lack of protection for women willing to speak out. “The VAPP law is just paper because of lack of enforcement and awareness, especially in rural communities where the practice is most common,” said Mrs. Funmilayo Bolaji from Lagos State.
Mrs. Rachael Abu, a participant from Agbede near Auchi in Etsako West Local Government Area, stressed that the trauma of such practices leaves lasting physical and psychological scars, maintaining that she will not encourage her granddaughters living abroad to visit Nigeria. According to her, the practice is rampant in her locality because of its proximity to neighbouring Kogi State, where the VAPP law is yet to be adopted.
However, a participant hinted that although the tradition is rampant in his locality, a few families refrain from circumcising their daughters until marriage, when their husbands may insist on it.
Other participants, some of whom spoke on condition of anonymity, shared harrowing experiences and accused authorities of turning a blind eye. They insisted that until perpetrators are prosecuted and awareness campaigns intensified, victims will remain trapped in silence while offenders continue with impunity.
Speaking earlier at the gathering, Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, expressed appreciation to participants for attending the event.
She noted that in some Edo communities, those who refused circumcision were ostracised, accused of bringing misfortune upon their families, or denied access to public amenities.
“I hereby urge victims and their families to speak out,” she said.
Mrs. Betsy Obaseki appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, security agencies and civil society organisations to close ranks in abolishing the practice, insisting that the girl child deserves dignity and protection, not dehumanisation.
