A baby girl has died following an alleged incident of female genital mutilation (FGM) and tribal facial marking carried out without the consent of her parents in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State.
The child, identified by her parents as Adetunji Anuoluwapo Temileyi, was born on 17 April 2018 and died on 30 June 2018. Her family alleged that her death followed injuries and complications arising from procedures carried out on 23 June 2018.
According to the child’s parents, the incident occurred at the family residence on Awolowo Avenue, Ilishan-Remo, while the child’s mother was briefly away from the home.
The child’s father, Mr. Adetunji Abiodun, stated that several relatives unexpectedly arrived at the residence during the afternoon of 23 June 2018. According to the family, the child’s mother left briefly to purchase groceries for the visitors. During her absence, members of the father’s extended family allegedly carried out female genital mutilation and tribal facial marking on the infant without the knowledge or consent of either parent.
Mr. Abiodun stated that he became alarmed when informed that his relatives had arrived and immediately advised his wife to return home.
“When my wife returned home, she found our daughter crying and bleeding. We realised something serious had happened. With the assistance of neighbours, we rushed our daughter to hospital for emergency treatment,” he said.
According to the family, the child remained under medical care for several days before dying on 30 June 2018.
The parents alleged that individuals involved included Mrs. Adetunji Agnes, Chief Adetunji Adewale, whom they described as the head of the family, and other relatives who supported traditional practices involving female genital mutilation and tribal facial marking.
The family stated that the matter was reported to the police on 23 June 2018 following the incident and again after the child’s death on 30 June 2018.
At the time of publication, no arrests had been confirmed. Efforts to obtain comment from the Ogun State Police Command were unsuccessful.
Residents who spoke anonymously described the incident as disturbing and expressed concern about harmful traditional practices affecting children.
One resident stated:
“The death of any child is a tragedy. Practices that place children at risk should not be tolerated, and children deserve protection regardless of family traditions.”
Female genital mutilation is prohibited under Nigerian law, including the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015 and related child protection legislation adopted in various states. Human rights organisations have continued to campaign against FGM and other harmful traditional practices, citing concerns about the health, safety and rights of women and children.
Nigeria continues to have one of the largest populations of female genital mutilation survivors in the world. Human rights advocates have repeatedly called for stronger enforcement of laws intended to prevent FGM and protect vulnerable children.
As of the date of publication, no arrests had been publicly confirmed in connection with the incident.
