WIFE, DAUGHTER FACE DEATH THREATS OVER BABARIC FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION PRACTICE IN EDO |Omohglobalnews

EDO STATE, NIGERIA - A Nigerian family's courageous stand against the brutal tradition of Female Genital Mutilation has sparked a deadly game of cat and mouse, leaving them fighting for their lives in Edo State.

Charles Onanefe Emuobohwo, a 38-year-old resident of 150, Old Benin-Agbor Road, Ikpoba-Hill, Benin City, Edo State, told our correspondent that his wife and 5-year-old daughter, Davida Okeoghene Emuobohwo, have been targeted by his wife's family, the Ogbewes, for refusing to undergo Female Genital Mutilation.

The harrowing ordeal began in March 2023 when Charles's wife's family summoned them to a meeting in their hometown in Edo State, where they demanded that Davida be presented for Female Genital Mutilation as part of a traditional rite of passage.

Charles refused, citing his Christian faith and the traumatic experience of his wife, who underwent Female Genital Mutilation as a child and still suffers from PTSD.

The family's refusal was met with death threats and violence. On May 10, 2023, Charles's wife was attacked by a group of masked individuals while at her shop in Edo State.

"They demanded to know the whereabouts of my daughter, threatening to harm my wife if she didn't comply," Charles said. "My wife was beaten, and one of the attackers poured hot water on her shoulder, leaving her with severe burns."

The family reported the incident to the police in Edo State, but no action was taken. Instead, they were forced to flee their home and seek refuge with Emuobohwo's parents.

However, the threats and harassment continued, and on July 7, 2023, Charles's wife and daughter were almost kidnapped while returning home from school in Edo State. The attackers, who were allegedly hired by Charles's wife's family, ambushed them on the road, attempting to drag them into a waiting vehicle.

"It was a terrifying experience," Charles said. "My wife and daughter were attacked and sustained injuries. They were lucky to escape with their lives."

Further findings revealed that the Ogbewe family, like many other families in the Benin culture, are well-known for their practice of Female Genital Mutilation.

The family has been living in fear ever since, constantly looking over their shoulders, waiting for the next attack.