BENIN CITY — Tragedy struck the Eboigbe family in Benin City, Edo State, on Sunday, December 28, 2025, following the death of their five-year-old daughter, Victoria. The young girl reportedly died from complications arising from a traditional circumcision procedure.
A family source, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that Victoria’s death was the result of a “crude and archaic” cultural practice. According to the source, the child’s father, Godwin Eboigbe, had been locked in a long-standing dispute with extended family members who insisted the procedure was a mandatory rite of passage for every girl-child in their lineage.
Despite Mr. Eboigbe’s persistent refusal, the family allegedly resorted to a campaign of harassment, threats, and intimidation. Faced with mounting pressure, he eventually succumbed. As he was threatened with ancestry and spiritual consequences on his entire nuclear family, if he fails to comply
The procedure was reportedly carried out using unsterilized instruments. Shortly after, Victoria began to bleed uncontrollably. She was rushed to a nearby hospital, but despite medical efforts to save her, she was pronounced dead.
The incident has left Mr. Eboigbe devastated and in fear for his safety, highlighting the deadly consequences of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
As at the time of writing this report, Godwin Eboigbe is distracted he has blamed the daughter’s death on the circumcision authorized by his family.
