By John Okoh, Asaba
A mother, Mrs Isichei Ifeoma Cynthia from Issele-Azagba, in Aniocha North local government area of Delta state has lost her child to Female Genital Mutilation, commonly called female circumcision.
A concerned indigene of the community, Prince Oghenero Martins, who confirmed the incident, said at least nine babies have lost their lives in the same process within the past six months.
Martins told our correspondent that despite sensitizatioin campaigns, FGM was still being enforced in the area.
He asked: “Who will save these innocent children and mothers from the barbaric custom and tradition of the FGM (female genital mutilation).
“For example, the Ijaws and Isoko of southern Nigeria perform FGM on women as a premarital ritual, while the Urhobo in the state of Delta circumcise women during pregnancy and the Igbo’s in the southeast reportedly carry out FGM during or after adolescence.
“However, in most parts of Nigeria, FGM is performed at birth.”
“Here in Issele-Azagba, in Aniocha North local government area of Delta state, on the 20th day of February 2023, a mother, Isichei Ifeoma Cynthia lost her child as a result of complications after circumcision.
“This is one of many cases that has remained unreported. Mothers and young girls are deserting the community because of this act.
“More than 9 babies have died recently due to this wicked act,” he lamented.
Martins wondered why it had become difficult for the authorities to apprehended the perpetrators of this act despite former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan signing a federal law banning FGM in Nigeria in May 2015.
“The locals seem to be protecting the perpetrators of this act, while most women who are the victims are afraid to speak up,” he added.
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