A 38-year-old Lagos resident, Abdulrahaman Abass Abiodun, is recovering after surviving an alleged violent attack by members of his extended family following his refusal to subject his newborn son to a controversial traditional ritual.
The incident, which occurred on October 14, 2022, has renewed debate over the persistence of harmful traditional practices in parts of Nigeria.
Mr. Abiodun had recently moved his family to 6, Lawrence Lane, off Ereko/Martins Street, Lagos Island, in a bid to escape persistent pressure and threats from relatives over customary rites imposed on male children within the family lineage.
The dispute reportedly began shortly after the birth of his son on October 2, 2022. According to Mr. Abiodun, relatives demanded that the child undergo traditional procedures involving facial tribal markings and abdominal incisions for male children, while female children are subjected to facial markings and circumcision. Some members of the family reportedly consider the practice a form of traditional lineage verification.
Speaking after the incident, Mr. Abiodun said he refused the demand due to the physical and psychological trauma he personally experienced after undergoing the same procedures as a child.
“This practice caused suffering for many children in our family, and some even lost their lives due to complications,” he said. “I still carry the scars and memories. I cannot allow my son to go through the same pain.”
Tensions escalated when two relatives, identified as Abdulrahaman Taofeek Adegboyega and Abdulrahaman Afeez Adebanji, allegedly acting on instructions from the family head, Chief Abdulrahaman Amoo Gbadamosi, arrived at his residence demanding access to the newborn.
When Mr. Abiodun refused, a confrontation reportedly turned violent. The attackers allegedly assaulted him with a cutlass, causing serious injuries to his head and hand. During the chaos, his wife and children reportedly escaped through a back exit and sought refuge in a neighboring apartment.
Residents drawn by the commotion intervened and prevented further violence. Mr. Abiodun was subsequently rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment.
The case was reported to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (Force CID) Annex in Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos, at about 11:05 a.m. the same day. Police authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing.
The incident has again highlighted the tension between cultural traditions and human rights protections in Nigeria. Advocacy and child welfare groups continue to call for stronger enforcement of laws against harmful traditional practices, particularly those involving children.
As of the time of filing this report, no arrests had been officially announced, though police investigations remain active.
