An Ibadan family fled Nigeria after facing threats for resisting female genital mutilation, sparking a human rights and cultural debate.

[dropcap]A[/dropcap]n Ibadan-based family from the Arojosere compound has fled Nigeria amid threats and intimidation linked to their refusal to subject their daughter, Maryam, to female genital mutilation (FGM).

The practice, which remains deeply rooted in certain cultural traditions, has sparked a bitter dispute within the family, forcing Musa Ibrahim, his wife Khadijat Aina Ibrahim, and their four children to seek safety abroad.

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Mr. Ibrahim and his wife resisted demands from extended family members, led by Chief Salawu Olaosebikan, to carry out the controversial procedure on their daughter.

Despite leaving Nigeria in May 2024, the family continues to face threats, as some elders remain determined to locate Maryam and enforce the practice.

The dispute has caused a rift among family members, with many openly opposing FGM. Several parents with young daughters have protested and fled the Arojosere compound to protect their children.

A police report filed at Majawe Divisional Station in Ibadan details how Mr. Ibrahim reported threats to his life and those of his wife and children.

“FGM is a violation of human rights, and it poses severe health risks,” Mr. Ibrahim stated. The family’s stance reflects growing resistance to the practice in Nigeria, where advocacy groups are pushing for stricter measures to eradicate it.

On 15 January 2024, Mr. Ibrahim alleged that Chief Olaosebikan and other elders attempted to lure Maryam in what appeared to be a kidnapping plot.

The incident was thwarted by a vigilant neighbour, but it underscored the persistent threat the family faces.

Fearing further harm, the Ibrahims—comprising Musa, Khadijat, Maryam, and their three sons, Abdulmalik, Abdulrahman, and Abdulroheem—relocated abroad. Advocacy groups have since rallied around the case, using it as a call to action against FGM.

Female genital mutilation remains a significant issue in Nigeria, despite being illegal in many states. Advocates condemn it as a violation of fundamental rights, with severe physical and psychological consequences for survivors.

The Ibrahim family’s ordeal highlights the urgent need for stronger enforcement of anti-FGM laws and increased public awareness.

As the police continue their investigation, the case has reignited debates about the cultural and human rights implications of FGM, with growing calls for national reforms to protect vulnerable girls and women.

Source: Read more at thecable.ng