BENIN CITY — A family of five from Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo State has reportedly gone into hiding after receiving persistent death threats from relatives over their refusal to allow the circumcision of their daughter, Audrey Oseremi Oseh.
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Segun Oseh were said to have fled their residence after members of the husband’s family allegedly vowed to harm them and forcibly subject their daughter to female genital mutilation (FGM).
Sources close to the family disclosed that the crisis began when the couple openly rejected attempts to pressure them into allowing the traditional practice on their daughter.
The decision was said to have sparked outrage among some relatives who accused them of disrespecting family customs and traditions.
The situation reportedly escalated after repeated efforts to persuade the couple failed, leading to threats and intimidation from family members determined to ensure the child underwent the procedure.
Speaking on the development, Mrs. Constance Siweku Oseh said the family began receiving disturbing phone calls and visits from unidentified persons warning them to cooperate or face dire consequences.
“They said they would take our daughter by any means necessary. We started getting strange visitors and phone calls warning us to comply. That was when we realised we were no longer safe and decided to leave,” she said.
Reports indicated that the family has since been moving between undisclosed locations to avoid being traced by those allegedly issuing the threats. Attempts by some community leaders and residents to mediate in the dispute reportedly failed, as the opposing relatives insisted that the child must undergo the procedure in line with what they described as family tradition.
Female genital mutilation, though outlawed in Nigeria, still persists in some communities under the guise of cultural preservation.
The practice involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons and is widely regarded globally as a violation of the rights and dignity of women and girls.
Under the Edo State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, individuals found performing, aiding or promoting FGM risk prosecution and possible imprisonment. The law also empowers security agencies to arrest and prosecute anyone who threatens or intimidates others in connection with the practice.
Police sources in Benin City confirmed that the matter has been reported and that investigations are ongoing to identify those behind the alleged threats.
Security personnel were also said to have been deployed to monitor the affected community and maintain peace.
Officials of the Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development have reportedly reached out to the displaced family to provide temporary shelter, counselling and psychological support pending the outcome of investigations.
Authorities have reiterated that Edo State maintains a zero-tolerance stance against female genital mutilation and warned that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
